SunClean Self-cleaning Glass Survives in Harsh Environments

PITTSBURGH, May 7, 2002 - You think competing in a triathlon is tough? Participants in the grueling swimming, cycling and running competition have nothing on SunClean self-cleaning glass, according to its maker, PPG Industries.

An independent laboratory recently completed accelerated weather tests that simulated environments more severe than the new glass is likely to see in a lifetime. Through bitter cold, intense heat, and driving winds and saltwater spray, SunClean glass withstood brutal conditions and retained its self-cleaning properties.

"The test results, coupled with PPG's own rigorous tests, demonstrate the uniqueness of the self-cleaning glass," said Victor L. Skukalek, new products manager, flat glass. "Unlike aftermarket spray-on coatings or soft-coat products that label themselves as easier to clean, SunClean Glass' durable coating is fused on using a hard coat manufacturing process. Therefore, the coating is durable and long-lasting, as demonstrated by its ability to stand up to the extreme conditions of the tests."

Architectural Testing, Inc. conducted the advanced weathering and durability testing at its headquarters in York, Pa. Pieces of glass endured 90 consecutive days of extreme temperatures including heat (180º F) or cold (-20º F), and other samples were subjected to 90 days of high winds (60 mph) and saltwater spray. No visible changes or degradation of the coating were discerned on any of the tested pieces of glass, according to Architectural Testing, Inc.

The independent tests were set up to confirm the results of specific elements of PPG's more exhaustive internal testing regimen for all its glass products. PPG's rigorous testing procedures have allowed them to perfect the process of putting microscopic coatings on glass since the early 1980s. The technology used on SunClean glass is similar to that used to make its popular Sungate 500 low-e glass.

Additionally, after the weathering/durability tests, PPG conducted further testing to the glass and confirmed that it retained its photocatalytic and hydrophilic properties – thus maintaining its self-cleaning benefits.

About the Testing

Architectural Testing simulated the environments through its computer-controlled environment exposure chambers.

The company tested for visible color and brightness shifts after 30, 60 and 90 days of exposure to the harsh weather simulations. Color and brightness measurements were taken after each time period and compared with readings conducted prior to the testing. According to Architectural Testing, Inc., SunClean glass showed no significant visible differences after being exposed to the extreme conditions.

SunClean self-cleaning glass was introduced by PPG last fall and is offered through a growing list of window manufacturers, providing coast-to-coast distribution. As a self-cleaning glass, PPG's latest breakthrough glass technology has the following characteristics:

1) It has a durable, long-lasting coating that has been fused onto the glass at high temperatures during the glass manufacturing process;

2) The coating exhibits photocatalytic properties by using the sun's ultraviolet light to break down and loosen organic dirt.

The coating exhibits hydrophilic properties, creating a sheeting action so that rain or a light water spray can easily rinse the loosened dirt away with minimal streaking and spotting.

About Architectural Testing, Inc.
Architectural Testing has been providing services to the fenestration building products industry for more than 25 years. The company's four national labs in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Wisconsin and California provide a vast array of testing services including thermal, acoustic, environmental, hurricane and many more.

Architectural Testing is capable of performing more than 5,000 test procedures from organizations including, ASTM, AAMA and NFRC.

About PPG
PPG is a leading global manufacturer of glass products that has been meeting consumer demands and serving the residential construction industry since 1883, with more than 30 years of expertise with glass coatings technology.

Pittsburgh-based PPG is the largest glass manufacturer in North America. The company's glass businesses supply glass for commercial and residential construction markets, products for industrial and specialty applications, as well as automotive, aircraft and other transportation original equipment, and replacement windshields and windows. PPG also is a global producer of coatings, fiber glass and chemicals. Sales in 2001 were US$8.2 billion.