Chicago-based Inventables, publisher of DesignAid, has selected Diamon-Fusion hydrophobic nanotechnology for inclusion in its quarterly publication, which covers unique materials and technologies and their possible applications.

Diamon-Fusion, produced by Diamon-Fusion International Inc. (DFI), is one of several marketed coatings that, once applied to silica-based surfaces such as glass or ceramic, repels water. DFI nanocoating forms a covalent bond with the surface to which it is applied, giving it a duration of anywhere between three to 20 years, depending on the application.

In addition to being both water- and oil-repellant, Diamon-Fusion makes surfaces impact- and scratch-resistant, lends protection against graffiti, sodium and calcium deposits, dirt and fingerprints, and provides UV stability and additional electrical insulation.

"The DFI nanocoating presents some unique design possibilities for silica-based materials like glass and ceramic," said Osman Ozcanli, technology envisioner at Inventables. "Two fascinating ideas were using the coating to create hidden messages that appear when warm human breath or steam covers the glass, and using it to create channels for water on smooth glass surfaces invisible to the naked eye."