X-ray Specs - We Know You're Antiviral

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• X-ray Specs - We Know You're Antiviral

OK, it might not be exactly a decorative finish but it is a finish that will be in hot demand if successful - one firm has puts its X-ray Specs on as it knows it can produce glass with an antiviral coating.

If successful, the NSG Group, parent company to Pilkington United Kingdom Limited will found a way of reducing the transmission of viruses within buildings and transport.

The glass giant’s research into anti-microbial glass was already at an advanced stage prior to Covid-19 pandemic. But the outbreak has made it a key priority for the business’ UK research and development team based in Lathom, Lancashire.

The work has been supported by a grant from Innovate UK, as part of its £40 million of funding to help drive forward technological advances which address new challenges from Covid-19.

A team is studying how coatings can effectively reduce viral loads on a glass surface. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses can live on surfaces anywhere from two hours to nine days. The survival time depends on a number of factors, including the type of surface, temperature, relative humidity and specific strain of the virus.

A glass with antiviral properties is expected to help control viruses in areas like shopping centres, hospitals, care homes, schools and public transport. It will also help to make touch screen devices safer. As part of the research, Pilkington United Kingdom Limited is looking at how an antiviral layer can be combined with other functionality glass, such as solar control to further extend its applications.

 “Curbing the transmission of viruses will be a priority for those who design and manage buildings and transportation for years to come, not least until a vaccine for COVID-19 is found.”

– Dr Neil McSporran 

Global Portfolio Manager, NSG Group

High-touch surfaces

“Reducing infection via surfaces that the virus lives on will be an important part of any strategy organisations have to control the virus," continues NSG Group's McSporran. "This is where antiviral glass would play an important role in reducing the spread of a virus - limiting viral load on high-touch surfaces, like the inside of a bus window or a shopping centre door.”

Picture: Pilkington's research into anti-microbial glass was already at an advanced stage.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
11th September 2020

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