Silanes for Building Protection: A Case Study in Systems Thinking Approach to Materials Science Education

Abstract

<jats:p>Silanes, and organically modified silanes in particular, are commercially used to protect the built environment from deterioration and, in indoor applications, to minimize water vapor condensation and microbiological contamination. Increasing their uptake, we argue in this study, includes the need to adopt a systems-thinking view of this green chemistry technology. After identifying the key advantages of these coatings, we highlight important educational consequences to undergraduate courses and doctoral programs in chemistry and materials science which are common in many research topics, well beyond nanocoating science and technology.</jats:p>

A Comprehensive Review on Processing, Development and Applications of Organofunctional Silanes and Silane-Based Hyperbranched Polymers

“…Silane-based paints, particularly those in the form of silicates and organically modified silica, are successfully used to protect the built environment, including modern and historic buildings as well as marine structures, due to their exceptional versatility, long lifespan and unique ability to maintain the aesthetics of the treated surfaces. Silane paints coat the internal porosity of a substrate with hydrophobic layers using liquid monomeric alkylsilanes [91]. Organosilica-based nanosols often cling to substrate surfaces via the formation of siloxane linkages with hydroxyl groups at the substrate surface.…”

Trends in Green Chemistry Research between 2012 and 2022: Current Trends and Research Agenda

“…In 2019, the most used keyword was systems thinking, reflecting research on systemic thinking in science and on the need to direct systemic thinking towards green chemistry, from academic education to industry [78]. Studies also addressed the need to introduce rich contexts associated with the fundamental ideas of chemistry and applicable to various knowledge areas, such as drug products, silanes and their organic modification for coating [79], and water recovery for reuse [80], thereby improving the alignment with reality and with the goals of sustainable development set forth in the UN 2030 agenda [81].…”

“…These studies are motivated by the urgent need to change synthesis methods and procedures towards improving energy use, reducing both energy consumption [82] and the generation of complex waste with low recyclability and natural degradability [83], and outlining viable alternatives focused on reducing or eliminating negative impacts on the environment [84]. Quadrant II shows less frequent but more current terms that have emerged in recent years, such as systems thinking aimed at contextualising the fundamentals of chemistry in real-life events [79]. Another keyword is circular economy, which is based on the optimisation of resources so that they remain longer in the production cycle, finding value in waste.…”

“…Last, the term ionic liquids is highly attractive in chemistry and engineering. Although its structure and assembly function remain under study [91], its use is geared towards less Quadrant II shows less frequent but more current terms that have emerged in recent years, such as systems thinking aimed at contextualising the fundamentals of chemistry in real-life events [79]. Another keyword is circular economy, which is based on the optimisation of resources so that they remain longer in the production cycle, finding value in waste.…”

Is the “Green Washing” Effect Stronger than Real Scientific Knowledge? Are We Able to Transmit Formal Knowledge in the Face of Marketing Campaigns?

“…Since then, many advances have been made in the chemical industry to minimize the consumption of water and energy, and also the amount of waste produced. Additionally, some of these concepts have been introduced in several undergraduate and postgraduate programs [22][23][24][25], including in the organization of education institutions [26,27], although they are still far from becoming systemically infused into the undergraduate chemistry and engineering curricula [28]. Other important tool is LCA (Life Cycle Assessment), which provides a quantitative assessment of the environmental impact of products over their entire life cycle, with a view to making improvements [29].…”