Study on Photo catalytic Self-Cleaning concrete using Titanium Dioxide
APPLICATION OF TIO2 IN BUILDING MATERIALS AS PHOTOCATALYST
The increase in patents during the last decade indicates a huge interest, especially from
Japan and Europe, in the application of TiO2 as photocatalyst in building materials. Regarding the
reduction of air pollution due to traffic in urban areas, the application on pavement surfaces or on
the building surfaces in cementitious materials gives optimal solutions. To increase the efficiency
of the photocatalyst, its presence at the surface of the material is crucial. It has to be accessible by
sunlight to be activated. Consequently, the pollutant has to be absorbed on the surface and
oxidized or reduced to a less harmful element.
The goal is to have as much TiO2 as possible at the surface of the material, without the risk
of losing it by abrasion or weathering. Up till now, the most efficient way to apply the TiO2 is in a
thin layer cementitious material, which is placed on the surface. Application in concrete tiles is
therefore very suitable: the TiO2 can be added to the weathering layer. If the layer is slightly used,
new TiO2- particles will be present at the surface.
Other applications can be found in architectural concrete. The use of white cement with
TiO2 at the surface of buildings and construction attribute to the durability of the visual aspect of
the building. Due to the photocatalytic action, the whiteness of the building will remain and dirt
will be washed away more easily due to the hydrophilic properties or will be decomposed.
DIFFERENT CONSTRUCTIONS USING PHOTOCATYLYSTCONCRETE
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
APPLICATION OF TIO2 IN BUILDING MATERIALS AS PHOTOCATALYST
The increase in patents during the last decade indicates a huge interest, especially from
Japan and Europe, in the application of TiO2 as photocatalyst in building materials. Regarding the
reduction of air pollution due to traffic in urban areas, the application on pavement surfaces or on
the building surfaces in cementitious materials gives optimal solutions. To increase the efficiency
of the photocatalyst, its presence at the surface of the material is crucial. It has to be accessible by
sunlight to be activated. Consequently, the pollutant has to be absorbed on the surface and
oxidized or reduced to a less harmful element.
The goal is to have as much TiO2 as possible at the surface of the material, without the risk
of losing it by abrasion or weathering. Up till now, the most efficient way to apply the TiO2 is in a
thin layer cementitious material, which is placed on the surface. Application in concrete tiles is
therefore very suitable: the TiO2 can be added to the weathering layer. If the layer is slightly used,
new TiO2- particles will be present at the surface.
Other applications can be found in architectural concrete. The use of white cement with
TiO2 at the surface of buildings and construction attribute to the durability of the visual aspect of
the building. Due to the photocatalytic action, the whiteness of the building will remain and dirt
will be washed away more easily due to the hydrophilic properties or will be decomposed.
DIFFERENT CONSTRUCTIONS USING PHOTOCATYLYSTCONCRETE
1
Dept. of Civil Engineering, SIMAT Vavanoor
