Study on Photo catalytic Self-Cleaning concrete using Titanium Dioxide
RESTORATION OF MONUMENTS
TiO2-based suspension was applied on travertine samples by spray coating obtaining two
different treatments: single layer (C1) and three layers (C2) coatings. Application through spray
coating was chosen due the simplicity and quickness of this method and its compatibility with
stone surfaces and with other restoration techniques, an important prerequisite for application on
Cultural Heritage.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The primary ingredient of smog, ozone is an extremely reactive gas molecule that reacts
chemically with lung tissue, causing decreased lung function, respiratory infection, lung
inflammation, and aggravation of respiratory illnesses. The raw ingredients for ozone are nitrogen
oxides (NOX)—produced primarily by internal combustion engines—and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
Ozone is created when the two raw ingredients are combined in the presence of heat and
sunlight. Tests have demonstrated that a road paved with concrete made with the photocatalytic
cement can reduce NOX levels by 20 to 80%, depending on atmospheric conditions. A building
with photocatalytic precast concrete cladding can do the same. Because the proprietary compound
oxidizes both NOX and VOCs, it combats ozone at the source. Other chemicals known to be
oxidized using photocatalytic cement include: Inorganic compounds such as SOX, CO, NH 3, and
H2S; Organic compounds such as alcohol, acids, and aromatics; Chlorinated organic compounds
such as dioxins and chloro benzene; and Pesticides such as diazinon and atrazine. The final
products of the reactions include harmless quantities of nitrates and sulfates.
TRANSFORMING THE POLLUTANTS IN THE AIR
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
RESTORATION OF MONUMENTS
TiO2-based suspension was applied on travertine samples by spray coating obtaining two
different treatments: single layer (C1) and three layers (C2) coatings. Application through spray
coating was chosen due the simplicity and quickness of this method and its compatibility with
stone surfaces and with other restoration techniques, an important prerequisite for application on
Cultural Heritage.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
The primary ingredient of smog, ozone is an extremely reactive gas molecule that reacts
chemically with lung tissue, causing decreased lung function, respiratory infection, lung
inflammation, and aggravation of respiratory illnesses. The raw ingredients for ozone are nitrogen
oxides (NOX)—produced primarily by internal combustion engines—and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs).
Ozone is created when the two raw ingredients are combined in the presence of heat and
sunlight. Tests have demonstrated that a road paved with concrete made with the photocatalytic
cement can reduce NOX levels by 20 to 80%, depending on atmospheric conditions. A building
with photocatalytic precast concrete cladding can do the same. Because the proprietary compound
oxidizes both NOX and VOCs, it combats ozone at the source. Other chemicals known to be
oxidized using photocatalytic cement include: Inorganic compounds such as SOX, CO, NH 3, and
H2S; Organic compounds such as alcohol, acids, and aromatics; Chlorinated organic compounds
such as dioxins and chloro benzene; and Pesticides such as diazinon and atrazine. The final
products of the reactions include harmless quantities of nitrates and sulfates.
TRANSFORMING THE POLLUTANTS IN THE AIR
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
