The aim of the research project is to develop thermosolubilizable hydrophobic systems based on renewable raw materials that enable efficient cleaning of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS).

The components of the hydrophobic systems are biodegradable and exist as a solid matrix on the ETICS under application conditions (below 70 °C).

Thermosolubilizable hydrophobizing systems are based on thermolabile microcapsules to be specially developed, which adhere to the ETICS and serve to bind hydrophobizing agents (monofatty acids).

By aligning the alkyl chains of the hydrophobizing agents to the air interface, hydrophobization of coated ETICS is achieved.

Under cleaning conditions (e.g. low-pressure process with steam, T above 100 °C), the thermolabile microcapsules lose their integrity under the influence of heat and disintegrate, releasing solubilizing agents (zwitterionic amino acids).

The aligned structure of the hydrophobic alkyl chains on the facade surface is annulled, so that the ETICS is wetted with water.

The solubilizing agents form amphiphilic complexes with the hydrophobic agents previously bound to the microcapsules, which micellarize soils as well as the polymers previously serving as capsule shells, dissolving the hydrophobic system in the water.

The project results will provide the cleaning service providers with a thermosolubilizable hydrophobic system that enables the efficient cleaning of ETICS at a price accepted by the customer (building owner/operator) and meets the political and social demand for products and services using renewable raw materials.

This enables cleaning service providers to tap new market potential in the facade coating and cleaning segment.