FAQs pertaining to the Super Water-Repellent Material HIREC

We have received enquiries about the Super Water-Repellent Material HIREC and they have been presented as FAQs.

Q1: Is HIREC transparent ?

A1:

The base material is composed of a Teflon powder. Teflon is a crystalline polymer and is not transparent therefore it is not possible to achieve absolute transparency with HIREC. However, HIREC 450 contains only a small amount of this Teflon powder, allowing it to achieve semi-transparency and thin film finish coating.

Q2: In principle, is transparent material difficult to create ?

A2:

The technology of making materials water-repellent involves adding minute bumps and depressions to the surface. When the surface of transparent glass is treated in this manner, it acquires properties similar to ground glass and, as a result does not pass light linearly. It can achieve transparency if the degree of roughness on the surface is less than the wavelength of light, however this nanotech structure is yet to be achieved in coating technology.

Trial products that possess qualities close to transparency have been created, but they do not yet demonstrate satisfactory performance. In some cases we can provide products in the form of coated glass. Please contact us if you would like information about this developing technology.

Q3: Is coating a simple process ?

A3:

For HIREC 100 and 450 to bring out its highest level of water repellency, it is important to have the coating applied by someone who, in addition to general painting procedures, is familiar with applying this water repellent material. At the time of sale, we request that the customer confirm in advance their understanding of the condition that will result from the application of the product. Please check the following file regarding this.
Sample coated board

Q4: Can HIREC be colored ?

A4:

Color can be added by a process called toning. However, the colors are basically pale. If you would like darker colors, please consult with us and provide us with the Japan Paint Industrial Society color code or the Munsell value required.

When placing your order for darker colors, please anticipate longer delivery times due to the additional toning process.

As mentioned above, the finished surface will have a rough texture. Also, please be aware that the finish will appear whitish in color.

The two types of standard colors we have in stock are: White and N7.

Q5: Is HIREC effective against oil ?

A5:

Basically it is not. Water-repellency and oil-repellency are fundamentally opposite material properties.

Q6: What is the lifespan of HIREC ?

A6:

The antifouling product (HIREC 100) is designed to have a lifespan of about three years. However, in areas where ultraviolet rays are strong, the lifespan of three years may not be obtained. This is because ultraviolet rays have a negative effect of stripping away contaminants off surfaces.

The lifespan of products that are not antifouling (HIREC 450 etc.) depends upon the environment in which they are used.

Q7: What types of substrate materials can be coated ?

A7:

High water-repellent materials principally have low adhesive strength, and therefore must be reinforced with a primer. Commonly used epoxy or urethane paint is used exclusively as the undercoating. Therefore, if this standard undercoating can be applied, HIREC can be applied.

Coating is generally difficult to perform on materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, or polypropylene. For these materials, a coating with a wash polymer is added to the regular system.

Q8: I want to coat roofs. Is HIREC suitable for this ?

A8:

This high water-repellent material has the properties of increasing slipperiness but it does not provide the action of removing snow. Thus, if the angle of a roof is low, snow will remain on the roof and will not fall off due to gravity. We would be happy to give you concrete advice regarding roof angles and attached structures.

Q9: I want to coat antennas. Is HIREC suitable for this ?

A9:

For parabola antennas, it is extremely effective not only against snow, but also against rain.

At first, we believed that HIREC might not be the best type of application to use for conventional heater antennas when we saw some snow on an antenna, even after it had been coated with the water-repellent. However, when reception sensitivity was measured, we discovered that the reception level did not change despite the small amount of snow on the antenna. We compared this finding to antennas using snow-dissolving devices and found that there were deteriorations in signal reception. It became evident that the problem with the reception sensitivity was not due to snow being on the antenna but rather with water acting as an adhesive for the interface between the snow and the antenna. Thus, with snow-dissolving devices, a film of melted water causes signal deterioration, revealing that this system is linked to adverse effects of water.

The Super Water-Repellent Material is effective not only against snow but also against rain. Recent observations of TV signal deterioration during squalls in Thailand have verified the effectiveness of this material against rain.

Q10: Is it suitable for signs and billboards ?

A10:

Due to its nontransparent finish, HIREC cannot be coated onto display surfaces such as signs and billboards. It can however, be used on the top surfaces of signs and billboards to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice.

Q11: When is the best time to apply HIREC ?

A11:

As is the case with general painting, coatings should not performed in environments with temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius. It is necessary for the solutions in the undercoating to undergo a chemical reaction and heat is needed for this reaction to occur.