The build-up of limescale in appliances that work with hot water is a challenge that should not be underestimated, both in households and in thermal power stations. The conventional removal of limescale deposits is often laborious and, in the case of large systems such as power plants, involves considerable costs and energy losses. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now presented a pioneering technology that has the potential to provide a comprehensive solution to this problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scientists have developed an innovative limescale-repellent hydrogel coating that uses a microscopic ribbed structure to prevent the adhesion of limescale. This structure, modelled on shark scales, reduces the direct contact of limescale crystals with the surface, making it more difficult for them to deposit. Tests have shown that up to 98 per cent of limescale deposits on a surface treated in this way can be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This breakthrough in material technology is not only able to increase the efficiency of heat exchangers in power plants, but also to extend the service life and functionality of household appliances. In addition, the environmentally friendly hydrogel offers a biocompatible and chemical-free approach to limescale prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The developers have deliberately chosen not to patent and have made their findings public, encouraging the application of this pioneering technology in the property sector and beyond. This openness could significantly improve the efficiency of building operation and management by providing a simple and sustainable solution to a widespread problem.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A polymer hydrogel developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and the University of Berkeley promises to effectively combat a long-term problem in households and industries – limescale build-up. This innovation could improve energy efficiency and significantly reduce the environmental impact of power plants and household appliances.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":76589,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pmpro_default_level":"0","_surecart_dashboard_logo_width":"180px","_surecart_dashboard_show_logo":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_orders":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_invoices":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_subscriptions":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_downloads":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_billing":true,"_surecart_dashboard_navigation_account":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22698],"tags":[44620,12575,28684,44622,14912,44624,44626,13500],"class_list":["post-76604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sustainability","tag-entkalkung-en","tag-forschung-en","tag-haushalt-en","tag-hydrogel-en","tag-kalk-en","tag-kalkkristalle-en","tag-materialtechnologie-en","tag-wissenschaft-2-en","pmpro-has-access"],"acf":{"bild_mit_ki_erstellt_worden":[],"lead":"A polymer hydrogel developed by researchers at ETH Zurich and the University of Berkeley promises to effectively combat a long-term problem in households and industries - limescale build-up. This innovation could improve energy efficiency and significantly reduce the environmental impact of power plants and household appliances.","autor":"Quelle: ETH","ort":"","bildunterschrift":"","zusammenfassung":"","bild_im_grid":false,"gallerie":"","newsim":""},"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t