Antimicrobial hydrophilic coating
AssigneeUnited Technologies Corporation
InventorsJohn W. Steele, Philip J. Birbara, Robert W. Marsh, Timothy D. Scull
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Abstract
Heat transfer surfaces in condensing heat exchangers are often coated with a hydrophilic coating to provide wetting and wicking. This coating is typically porous and continuously moist during operation and, therefore, a potential breeding ground for microbes. The inclusion of an antimicrobial agent, such as silver oxide, in the coating inhibits microbial growth and improves adhesion to the heat transfer surfaces.
Claims10
An antimicrobial hydrophilic coating, comprising:
- a. an adhesive agent for binding said coating together and for preventing flaking and cracking of said coating wherein said adhesive agent does not adversely affect the hydrophilic properties of said coating;
- b. a water insolubilizer for insolubilizing said adhesive agent;
- c. an inorganic compound wherein said inorganic compound is selected from the group consisting of silica, calcium silicate, and mixtures thereof;
- and
- d. from about 0.1 wt % to about 1.0 wt %, based upon the total weight of the coating, of silver oxide.
A condensing heat exchanger, said heat exchanger having heat transfer surfaces coated with an antimicrobial hydrophilic coating, said coating comprised of:
- a. an adhesive agent for binding said coating together and for preventing flaking and cracking of said coating wherein said adhesive agent does not adversely affect the hydrophilic properties of said coating;
- b. a water insolubilizer for insolubilizing said adhesive agent;
- c. an inorganic compound wherein said inorganic compound is selected from the group consisting of silica, calcium silicate, and mixtures thereof;
- and
- d. from about 0.1 wt % to about 1.0 wt %, based upon the total weight of the coating, of silver oxide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.