Self-cleaning and next generation anti-fog surfaces and coatings

Due to their high surface energy, hydrophilic surfaces are susceptible to contaminations which are difficult to remove and often ruin the surface. Traditional anti-fog coatings are especially limited by contaminants, as the prevention of fogging is enhanced as hydrophilicity increases. Thus, advanced solutions to fogging are required which incorporate some degree of self-cleaning ability without significant losses in anti-fog character. Potential next generation anti-fog surfaces are characterized with particular emphasis on extended lifetime stimuli- responsive surfaces. Surfactant-based surfaces exhibited simultaneous hydrophilicity, necessary for anti-fogging, and oleophobicity, necessary for contamination resistance. The combination of these features rendered the surface as self-cleaning.