Alkyd resin based hydrophilic self-cleaning surface with self-refreshing behaviour as single step durable coating

Herein, we reported the photo-catalytic degradation/anti-bacterial property of Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles (SDZO Nps) prepared by a facile gel-combustion technique and its self-cleaning/self-refreshing/self-disinfectant behaviour while on impregnating as pigment into the alkyd resin based coating. The influence of doping Ag (1% & 2%) with ZnO has been evaluated in terms of crystal structure, morphology, optical properties, etc. using X-ray diffraction analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, UV–Vis analysis, and Photoluminescence spectra. The photo-catalytic degradation of crystal violet solution by SDZO Nps is spectroscopically followed employing UV–Vis spectroscopy. From the obtained results, the rate of degradation of 1% SDZO Nps is found higher than that of other samples under sunlight illumination; degrading 1 mg of crystal violet in 30 min. Thus, implementing the synergic effect of nano ZnO and the doped Ag provides a suitable pathway for the development of high efficient photo-catalyst. Further, alkyd resin based self-cleaning coating is formulated using 1% SDZO Nps as pigment along with other additives; the contents are milled to form a homogeneous mixture by high energy ball milling technique. Crystal violet solution coated over dried alkyd coating gets decolorized on exposure to sunlight indicating the mineralization of pollutants and proves the fact that the as obtained coating possess self-cleaning nature. Besides the self-cleaning property, the coating exhibits self-refreshing property which is essential for the long lasting self-cleaning activity. Further, the disinfectant properties of 1% SDZO Nps and 1% SDZO Nps impregnated coating have been evaluated against gram negative Escherichia coli bacterial strain. The acquired experimental outcomes suggest the potential use of self-cleaning coating to keep the environment clean and hygienic economically.