Modifications of surface materials and their effects on cleanability as studied by radiochemical methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of surface modifications on cleanability and surface properties of plastics, ceramics, concrete materials and their coatings. Another aim was to develop radiochemical methods suitable for evaluating cleanability. Generally, the cleanability from particle soils depended on surface topography and the cleanability from oil soil depended on the contact angle. The composition of a material (plasticizers in plastics, and coatings of ceramics and concretes) affected its cleanability in all material groups. The radiochemical methods developed proved to be suitable for examining different surface materials in the laboratory.