Pilkington North America Introduces New Member of Self-Cleaning Glass Family

Pilkington Activ SP(TM) Glass is a self-cleaning, low-E, solar-control, UV-control, sound-absorbing, impact-resistant glass. Samples of Pilkington Activ SP(TM) Glass are displayed in one portion of a 954-square-foot conservatory at the Veka Inc. booth, North 970.

"Pilkington Activ SP(TM) Glass resolves several issues in a number of niche, but still very popular applications," said Richard McCurdy, Pilkington North America's senior manager for Specialty Glass Products and Architectural Technical Services. "With its combination of energy efficiency, sound absorption and impact-resistance, Pilkington Activ SP(TM) Glass is a logical choice for any large window or glass wall area.

"Add the fact that it's a self-cleaning glass, makes it ideal for conservatories, atriums and other applications where the glass is sloped or there's a lot of glass to clean."

Pilkington Activ SP(TM) Glass is made by laminating (with PVB) 1/8" (3mm) thick Activ(TM) Self-Cleaning Glass with 1/8" (3 mm) thick Pilkington Solar E(TM) Solar Control Low-E Glass.

"Conservatories, skylights and applications where a lot of glass is used have always presented a problem," McCurdy explained. "While glass is great for transmitting daylight, it also allows in a lot of heat. There's also the need for regular cleaning. Since Pilkington introduced self-cleaning glass in 2001, people have had to choose between the two.

"Now, you don't have to. Pilkington Activ SP(TM) Glass significantly cuts down on the amount of heat transmitted inside while significantly reducing time and costs to keep the glass clean."

Pilkington Activ SP(TM) Glass can be used monolithically, or in an insulating glass unit with a lite of clear glass inboard.

Pilkington North America introduced the world's first self-cleaning glass, Activ(TM) Self-Cleaning Glass in June 2001.

What makes Pilkington Activ(TM) Glass self-cleaning is a microscopic layer of titanium dioxide that is applied to one surface of hot glass while it is being formed. Because the titanium dioxide is actually bonded to the freshly formed, pure glass surface, Pilkington Activ(TM) Self-Cleaning Glass is durable, long lasting and is easily heat-treated without affecting its appearance.

The first of the two self-cleaning processes is the PhotoActiv(TM) action. The PhotoActiv action uses ultra-violet rays from natural daylight to loosen and break down dirt particles on the surface of the glass. This also is known as the dirt-destroying action.

Secondly, when it rains or water is sprayed on Activ(TM) Glass, the titanium dioxide surface makes water sheet down to wash away any remaining dirt particles. This prevents streaks and water spots from forming, and is called the hydrophilic or water sheeting process.

Pilkington Activ(TM) Self-Cleaning and Activ SP(TM) Glass products are available from window manufacturers and distributors throughout North America. Commercially, Pilkington Activ(TM) and Activ SP(TM) Glass products are available from over two dozen glass fabricators.