Smart glass coatings for enhanced nail durability and protection
Innovative smart glass coatings using flake and bioactive glasses to enhance nail durability, smoothness, and protection. Developed by Queen Mary University of London, these coatings improve hardness and reduce chipping, offering a transparent, durable finish for nail care products.
Overview
Queen Mary University of London presents an innovative smart glass coating technology designed to enhance nail durability and protection. This solution incorporates flake glasses and bioactive glass fillers into light-curable resins to significantly improve the hardness and durability of nail coatings. By reinforcing the polymer matrix, these coatings provide a transparent and long-lasting finish that protects nails from chipping and smoothens nail ridges.
Technical specifications
Flake Glass Coatings:
- Flake glasses are incorporated into dimethacrylate resins, aligning perpendicularly during application to enhance surface hardness.
- Developed for transparency by matching refractive indices with the resin.
- Originally patented for dental applications, now adapted for nail coatings.
Bioactive Glass Fillers:
- Bioactive glass powders, such as Vitryxx, are used to build protective layers on the nail's keratin.
- Strengthens nails, reduces chipping, and smoothens ridges, enhancing overall nail health.
- Commercially produced and used in related dental applications, ensuring scalability and reliability.
Technology readiness level
The smart glass coatings for nail applications have reached a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7, indicating that the technology is at the prototype stage and has been tested in relevant environments. Further optimization will be guided by specific product specifications to meet commercial requirements.
About Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London is a comprehensive public research university within the University of London, serving a large and diverse community across campuses in East and Central London. Integration with a major NHS hospital network provides co‑located clinical and translational facilities and access to trial infrastructure and real‑world datasets. An on‑site innovation ecosystem with wet‑lab and startup space, plus proximity to the City and Tech City, connects researchers to London’s finance and digital industry clusters. Research is supported by competitive funding from UK Research and Innovation councils, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and leading UK charities. A dedicated technology transfer company manages IP, licensing, consultancy, spinouts, and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships to streamline collaboration.
delivered to your inbox.