PILKINGTON ITALIA Pilkington Activ™ Self-cleaning float glass

Pilkington Activ™ is the world's first glass with a special self-cleaning pyrolytic coating, to be placed on the outside of the building envelope, which can reduce the need for maintenance and cleaning of the panes, particularly those that are difficult to access.‎ The unique dual action uses natural elements to keep the glass free of organic dirt deposits.‎ The pyrolytic coating first of all activates a photo-catalytic effect, which enables it to react to the ultraviolet rays of natural sunlight, decomposing and dissolving organic dirt.‎ At the same time, a hydrophilic effect is triggered, allowing water on the treated surface of the glass, which is usually hydrophobic, to form a thin liquid layer that facilitates the elimination of residues of organic compounds, reducing the formation of droplets and favouring flow.‎ The combined action of sun and rain, therefore, allows Pilkington Activ™ to remain clean at all times.‎ THE RANGE The coating of Pilkington Activ™ is very adherent to the glass and can only be damaged if the surface of the glass itself is also damaged, for example by sharp objects, abrasive cleaners or steel wool.‎ Our tests have also shown that it does not flake or discolour.‎ Tests have shown that the coating is as durable as glass.‎ Pilkington Activ™ works even on cloudy days and at night, decomposing and dissolving even the most persistent dirt.‎ When it is not raining, it can be easily cleaned with a simple jet of water or by wiping with a soft cloth and lukewarm soapy water.‎ It is available in a toughenable monolithic version and safety-laminated on both clear paste, Pilkington Activ™ Clear, and blue paste, Pilkington Activ™ Blue.‎ It can be installed either as a monolithic version or incorporated into insulating glazing, with the self-cleaning coating positioned on face 1.‎ There are also a number of solutions that combine self-cleaning properties with solar control in one revolutionary product.‎ Pilkington Activ™ Neutral is a toughenable, self-cleaning and solar control double-coated neutral glass that combines self-cleaning properties with the ability to reduce the incoming heat load radiated by the sun.‎ It can be used in both monolithic and insulating glazing versions.‎ Pilkington Activ™ Suncool™ is a range of double-sided coated products combining self-cleaning properties, thermal insulation and high solar control characteristics.‎ Pilkington Activ™ Suncool™ is available in monolithic, laminated safety and tempered fixed sizes on request.‎ These products should only be used assembled in insulating glazing, with the self-cleaning pyrolytic coating positioned on face 1 and the selective magnetron coating on face 2.‎ FIELDS OF USE Products in the Pilkington Activ™ range are suitable for use in a wide variety of applications, such as windows, conservatories, rooflights, glazed roofs and generally all those building glass applications where the outer sheets are inaccessible or difficult to reach for normal cleaning.‎ The double-coated versions for solar control are particularly suitable for sloping roofs and verandas, in climatic zones where solar radiation in summer and thermal insulation in winter are critical factors.‎ CHARACTERISTICS AND PERFORMANCE It is of fundamental importance to assess the suitability of the use of the self-cleaning product at the design stage, in relation to the slope of the sheets, which must have a minimum value such as to allow rainwater to drain off regularly, and to their exposure to sunlight and rain.‎ For example, the presence of overhangs or recesses in the building may inhibit the action of the self-cleaning coating, covering part of the slab laid on site.‎ Furthermore, Self-cleaning coating is incompatible with glues and sealants of a silicone nature.‎ It is therefore necessary to use suitable fixing products, tested by Pilkington and available in the Technical Updates section of the company website.‎ The Technical Assistance Service is in any case available to give advice on the correct use of Self-cleaning glass.‎ CERTIFICATIONS Self-cleaning Coated Glass - Pilkington Activ™The products in the Pilkington Activ™ range conform to UNI EN 1096 and comply with the European Construction Products Directive.‎ ITEM SPECIFICATIONS Pilkington Activ™ is a float glass with a self-cleaning pyrolytic surface coating.‎ The solar control versions (Pilkington Activ™ Neutral and the Pilkington Activ Suncool™ range) have a second magnetron coating deposited on the other side of the sheet to improve the energy performance of the product.‎