Study on Photo catalytic Self-Cleaning concrete using Titanium Dioxide
APPROACHES TO SELF-CLEANING
In 1973, the principle of self-cleaning was discovered by the botanist Wilhelm Barthlott.
The products from the reaction of self-cleaning are easily removed by rain or simple rinsing due
to the phocatalytic actions with the addition of TiO2 due to the hydrophilic surface. The
application of Titania as a photocatalyst to the concrete is focusing on the self-cleaning effect and
air purifications. Self-cleaning concrete involved photo catalytic reaction, which contribute to the
elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde. Photo catalytic reaction
occurs with the presence of UV radiation from the sun Photo catalyst convert air pollutants that
contain toxic to lesser toxic forms in the presence of UV light. Thus, depollution removed
contaminants and impurities from the surrounding environment.
Photocatalyst There is a lot of materials that act as photocatalyst. It can be seen through a
few researches that have been carried out in order to investigate the influence of photocatalyst in
cementitious materials. Nanoparticles are used as photocatalyst in order to improve the
performance of the cement properties. Nanoparticles that being added to cement can function as
either an admixture in cement paste or to replace part of cement. These nanoparticles act as fillers
in the empty space, well distributed, increasing rate of hydration and tendency to
agglomerate during mixing. Nanoparticles that most common used in cement products are silicon
oxide (SiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), Titania or titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and
carbon nanotubes. Research reported that the addition of nano-silica into the cement paste
influenced the mechanical properties of the products. A few studies showed that by adding
nanoparticles of TiO2 are mostly performed with photo catalytic activity due to its chemical
stability and high catalytic activity. In concretes that contain nano-TiO2, the resistance to
penetration of chloride is higher than concretes that contain the same amounts of nano-SiO 2. This
is due to the refinement of pore structure increases while the chloride penetration decreases with
the content of nano-particles.
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
APPROACHES TO SELF-CLEANING
In 1973, the principle of self-cleaning was discovered by the botanist Wilhelm Barthlott.
The products from the reaction of self-cleaning are easily removed by rain or simple rinsing due
to the phocatalytic actions with the addition of TiO2 due to the hydrophilic surface. The
application of Titania as a photocatalyst to the concrete is focusing on the self-cleaning effect and
air purifications. Self-cleaning concrete involved photo catalytic reaction, which contribute to the
elimination of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde. Photo catalytic reaction
occurs with the presence of UV radiation from the sun Photo catalyst convert air pollutants that
contain toxic to lesser toxic forms in the presence of UV light. Thus, depollution removed
contaminants and impurities from the surrounding environment.
Photocatalyst There is a lot of materials that act as photocatalyst. It can be seen through a
few researches that have been carried out in order to investigate the influence of photocatalyst in
cementitious materials. Nanoparticles are used as photocatalyst in order to improve the
performance of the cement properties. Nanoparticles that being added to cement can function as
either an admixture in cement paste or to replace part of cement. These nanoparticles act as fillers
in the empty space, well distributed, increasing rate of hydration and tendency to
agglomerate during mixing. Nanoparticles that most common used in cement products are silicon
oxide (SiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), Titania or titanium dioxide (TiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and
carbon nanotubes. Research reported that the addition of nano-silica into the cement paste
influenced the mechanical properties of the products. A few studies showed that by adding
nanoparticles of TiO2 are mostly performed with photo catalytic activity due to its chemical
stability and high catalytic activity. In concretes that contain nano-TiO2, the resistance to
penetration of chloride is higher than concretes that contain the same amounts of nano-SiO 2. This
is due to the refinement of pore structure increases while the chloride penetration decreases with
the content of nano-particles.
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
