Study on Photo catalytic Self-Cleaning concrete using Titanium Dioxide
INTRODUCTION
Concrete is the most widely used construction materials in the world. Concrete is the
second most consumed substances on earth after water. Concrete is used everywhere such as
office buildings, residential apartment, bungalow, any public places, etc. Unfortunately, the main
components contain in the cement contributed to the greenhouse gas emissions. Dust emissions
during the cement manufacturing are one of the main issues that have been faced by the industries.
A major source of air pollution is caused by concrete dust released by building demolitions and
natural disasters. Thus, the building surfaces will become dull and dirty. In addition, concrete also
faces the problem of tending to become dirty when exposed to polluted area. These situations
have pressured the industries to develop an innovative technology and find alternative materials
that are environmentally friendly in order to support the sustainable development.
A construction material removes pollutants from the air as it keeps its surface clean. This
new astonishing concrete that not only keeps itself clean but also removes pollutants from the air
is called Self Cleaning Concrete. The key to such properties are photo catalytic components that
use the energy from ultraviolet rays to oxidize most organic and some inorganic compounds. Air
pollutants that would normally result in discoloration of exposed surfaces are removed from the
atmosphere by the components, and their residues are washed off by rain. So, this new cement can
be used to produce concrete and plaster products that save on maintenance costs while they ensure
a cleaner environment. Air inside buildings can be more polluted than outdoor because there are
various sources of pollution in some big cities.
For decades, scientists have recognized two unique effects of titanium dioxide, a common
compound that is used in products as diverse as quick-setting concrete, tile grout and even suntan
lotion. When exposed to sunlight, titanium dioxide acts as a catalyst to break down organic
matter, while also creating a super hydrophilic (water-loving) surface. The versatile function of
TiO2, which can both serve as photocatalytic materials and structural materials, has facilitated its
application in exterior construction materials and interior furnishing materials, such as cement
mortar, exterior tiles, paving blocks, glass and PVC fabric.
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
INTRODUCTION
Concrete is the most widely used construction materials in the world. Concrete is the
second most consumed substances on earth after water. Concrete is used everywhere such as
office buildings, residential apartment, bungalow, any public places, etc. Unfortunately, the main
components contain in the cement contributed to the greenhouse gas emissions. Dust emissions
during the cement manufacturing are one of the main issues that have been faced by the industries.
A major source of air pollution is caused by concrete dust released by building demolitions and
natural disasters. Thus, the building surfaces will become dull and dirty. In addition, concrete also
faces the problem of tending to become dirty when exposed to polluted area. These situations
have pressured the industries to develop an innovative technology and find alternative materials
that are environmentally friendly in order to support the sustainable development.
A construction material removes pollutants from the air as it keeps its surface clean. This
new astonishing concrete that not only keeps itself clean but also removes pollutants from the air
is called Self Cleaning Concrete. The key to such properties are photo catalytic components that
use the energy from ultraviolet rays to oxidize most organic and some inorganic compounds. Air
pollutants that would normally result in discoloration of exposed surfaces are removed from the
atmosphere by the components, and their residues are washed off by rain. So, this new cement can
be used to produce concrete and plaster products that save on maintenance costs while they ensure
a cleaner environment. Air inside buildings can be more polluted than outdoor because there are
various sources of pollution in some big cities.
For decades, scientists have recognized two unique effects of titanium dioxide, a common
compound that is used in products as diverse as quick-setting concrete, tile grout and even suntan
lotion. When exposed to sunlight, titanium dioxide acts as a catalyst to break down organic
matter, while also creating a super hydrophilic (water-loving) surface. The versatile function of
TiO2, which can both serve as photocatalytic materials and structural materials, has facilitated its
application in exterior construction materials and interior furnishing materials, such as cement
mortar, exterior tiles, paving blocks, glass and PVC fabric.
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
