Nano sink

Sumitomo Osaka Cement has developed what it claims is the world's first nanotech-based coating for use on kitchen sinks. It has already found a home coating Cleanup's stainless sink - the Super Silent e-sink.

The hydrophilic coating itself is made of nano-sized ceramic compounds developed using the company's proprietary technology. The ultra-small particles form a thin, transparent coating film, keeping a stainless sink's metallic lustre for longer, as well as ensuring surface hardness equivalent to a pencil hardness of 9H.

Durable against alkalis and hot water, the coating agent has applications ranging from consumer electronics goods to plastic components.

Sumitomo Osaka Cement aims for sales of 500 million yen ($4.3 mil) in fiscal 2008 by expanding into overseas markets.