Abstract: A process for coating a product by ion exchange including: a) providing a product that contains a surface segregating species (SSS) having a low surface energy component and an ionic component wherein the SSS has segregated to an outer surface of the product to form an activated surface; and b) treating the activated surface of the product with a liquid containing a surface modifying agent comprising one or more polyionic species, wherein the polyionic species is attracted to and deposits on the activated surface through a process of ion exchange.

Abstract: A process for coating a product by ion exchange including: a) providing a product that contains a surface segregating species (SSS) having a low surface energy component and an ionic component wherein the SSS has segregated to an outer surface of the product to form an activated surface; and b) treating the activated surface of the product with a liquid containing a surface modifying agent comprising one or more polyionic species, wherein the polyionic species is attracted to and deposits on the activated surface through a process of ion exchange.

Abstract: A process for coating a product by ion exchange including: a) providing a product that contains a surface segregating species (SSS) having a low surface energy component and an ionic component wherein the SSS has segregated to an outer surface of the product to form an activated surface; and b) treating the activated surface of the product with a liquid containing a surface modifying agent comprising one or more polyionic species, wherein the polyionic species is attracted to and deposits on the activated surface through a process of ion exchange.

Abstract: A coated substrate including: a substrate including a treated layer, a photocatalytic layer, and a protective layer between the photocatalytic layer and the treated layer, the protective layer comprising colloidal particles dispersed in a matrix, the colloidal particles including first and second types of particles that differ in their respective particle size distributions and which together provide a physical barrier by virtue of the first, smaller particles at least partially filling interstices between the second, larger particles and thereby impede photocatalyst derived degradation of the treated layer, the first type of colloid particles comprising hydrolyzed silica based material such as reactive silica condensate particles or polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, or mixtures thereof, the protective layer having an effect of less than 20 delta E units on the color and gloss of the substrate.

Abstract: A coated substrate including a substrate including a treated layer, a photocatalytic layer, and a protective layer for impeding photocatalyst derived degradation of the treated layer, the protective layer being provided between the photocatalytic layer and the treated layer, the protective layer comprising colloidal particles distributed in a matrix comprised at least partly of an organosilicon phase which is oxidizable by the reactive oxygen species to form a non-volatile inorganic phase, wherein the organosilicon phase includes a surfactant incorporating an organosilicon component.

Abstract: A coated substrate including: a substrate including a treated layer, a photocatalytic layer, and a protective layer between the photocatalytic layer and the treated layer, the protective layer comprising colloidal particles dispersed in a matrix, the colloidal particles including first and second types of particles that differ in their respective particle size distributions and which together provide a physical barrier by virtue of the first, smaller particles at least partially filling interstices between the second, larger particles and thereby impede photocatalyst derived degradation of the treated layer, the first type of colloid particles comprising hydrolysed silica based material such as reactive silica condensate particles or polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes, or mixtures thereof, the protective layer having an effect of less than 20 delta E units on the colour and gloss of the substrate.

Abstract: A coated substrate including a substrate including a treated layer, a photocatalytic layer, and a protective layer for impeding photocatalyst derived degradation of the treated layer, the protective layer being provided between the photocatalytic layer and the treated layer, the protective layer comprising colloidal particles distributed in a matrix comprised at least partly of an organosilicon phase which is oxidisable by the reactive oxygen species to form a non-volatile inorganic phase, wherein the organosilicon phase includes a surfactant incorporating an organosilicon component.