Anti-fog agents, also known as anti-fogging agents and treatments, are chemicals that prevent the condensation of water in the form of small droplets on a surface which resemble fog. Anti-fog treatments were first developed by NASA during Project Gemini, and are now often used on transparent glass or plastic surfaces used in optical applications, such as the lenses and mirrors found in glasses, goggles, camera lenses, and binoculars. The treatments work by minimizing surface tension, resulting in a non-scattering film of water instead of single droplets. This works by altering the degree of wetting. Anti-fog treatments usually work either by application of a surfactant film, or by creating a hydrophilic surface.
Video Anti-fog
Development
Anti-fog agents were initially developed by NASA during the Project Gemini, for use on helmet visors. During Gemini 9A, in June 1966, Astronaut Eugene A. Cernan tested NASA's first space suit, and discovered during the space walk that his helmet visor fogged, among other issues. Cernan's suit was tested using the Spacecraft 9 life support system after the flight, when it was discovered that a small patch of the visor treated with an anti-fog solution remained clear of condensation. Later Gemini flights all included the anti-fog solution, for application prior to the space walk occurring.
In 2016 a Spanish company, Advanced Nanotechnologies S.L. developed a permanent solution to the problem of fogging on plastic and non plastic surfaces. Its technology was developed until its final commercialization. It consists of a permanent nanotechnologic treatment compatible with a great variety of materials. This solutions is non-toxic and hypoallergenic unlike other anti-fog solutions and techniques.
Maps Anti-fog
Application
Anti-fog agents are usually available as spray solutions, creams and gels, and wet wipes, while more resistant coatings are often applied during complex manufacturing processes. Anti-fog additives can also be added to plastics where they exude from the inside to the surface.
Agents
The following substances are used as anti-fog agents:
- Surfactants that minimize the surface tension of the water:
- Detergents such as shampoo, soap, or shaving cream applied as a solution and wiped off without rinsing
- Hydrophilic coatings that maximize the surface energy:
- Polymers and hydrogels:
- Gelatin
- Colloids and nanoparticles:
- Titanium dioxide, becomes highly hydrophilic under UV light.
- Polymers and hydrogels:
Home recipes
One method to prevent fogging is to apply a thin film of detergent, but this method is criticized because detergents are designed to be water-soluble and they cause smearing. Divers often use saliva, which is a commonly known and effective anti-fogging agent.
Nanotechnology treatments
Recent permanent solutions developed by Advanced Nanotechnologies S.L. use nanotechnology to create permanent anti-fog surfaces.
Uses
Underwater diving
A demister is a substance applied to transparent surfaces to stop them from becoming fogged with mist deposit, often referred to as fog. Scuba divers often spit into their masks and then wash the surface quickly with water to prevent mist buildup that can impair vision. Several products are commercially available such as Sea Drops that are generally more effective. New masks lenses still have silicone on them from the manufacturing process, so it is recommended to clean the lenses with toothpaste, rinse the mask and then apply a demister solution.
See also
- Fog
- Fogging (photography) for fogging artifacts in photography
References
Source of article : Wikipedia
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