Hydrophobic, anti-microbial insulation products and a hydrophobic, anti-microbial coating composition for preparing the same

Abstract

A coating composition is provided for obtaining a hydrophobic, antimicrobial product, particularly fiberglass products, wherein the coating composition contains a compound having at least one hydrophobic group and at least one group capable of interacting with a group on the surface of the product substrate, particularly with Si or OH groups on the glass fibers of the fiberglass product, and the coated products obtained thereby.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to insulation products having easy-release, hydrophobic and anti-microbial properties by virtue of a coating placed on the insulation material, particularly fiberglass products.[0003] 2. Discussion of the Background[0004] Recent studies have shown that it is possible to disinfect air by photocatalytic techniques similar to those proven successful in killing microorganisms in water. Goswandi et al, J. Solar Energy Eng., 119, 92-96 (1997); Jacoby et al, Environ. Sci. Technol., 32, 2650-2653 (1998). These studies are described, particularly with respect to the reaction chemistry of titanium dioxides, in a 1997 review article by Mills et al, J. Photochem. Photobiol. A:Chem., 108, 1-35 (1997).[0005] Many indoor air quality problems have been associated with bioaerosols of more than 60 different types, including bacteria, viruses and fungi causing a host of diseases and conditions, such as tube...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide a coating for insulation materials, duct liners or filter materials that reduces or prevents adherence of microorganisms to the material surface and that provides anti-microbial properties to the material surface.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a fiberglass batt having an anti-microbial coating that gives the fiberglass batt easy release and hydrophobic characteristics.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a fiberglass duct board having easy-release, hydrophobic and anti-microbial properties.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fiberglass duct liner that prevents or reduces adherence of microorganisms onto the duct liner surface and provides anti-microbial properties.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving indoor air quality by use of the fiberglass batts, fiberglass duct boards, or fiberglass duct liners of the present invention.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, even when the duct surfaces are disinfected, the dead or destroyed microbes are not easily removed due to adherence to the duct liner surfaces.

Unfortunately, the use of the titanium dioxide based coatings described above in insulation materials, duct liner materials or filter materials cannot readily take advantage of the photocatalytic properties of the titanium dioxide described in the papers, since most insulation materials, duct liners and filter materials are enclosed in areas away from any suitable UV light source.