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A process for producing photocatalytic, self-cleaning coatings has been developed by our company NANOFRANCE Technologies.
The process produces a coating containing the nano- particle, titanium dioxide (TiO2): PHOTOCAL
When exposed to an light source, such as the sun, the coating's oxidative property decomposes organic substances such as pollution or bacteria on its surface.
In addition, the hydrophilic nature of the coating causes water that comes into contact with it to form an even layer, thereby allowing the dust and dirt that have accumulated on the surface to be washed away. These two properties of the coating create the "self-cleaning" effect.
The PHOTOCAL self-cleaning coating technology, developed by NANOFRANCE Technologies, is applicable for use on all surfaces including glass.
Such coatings will greatly benefit building maintenance, especially for skyscrapers, since they reduce the need for costly surface cleaning.
With the novel coating technology, the surface of buildings can remain clean longer, compared to surfaces without the coating.
PHOTOCAL's coating technology is set to reduce the frequency of washes and correspondingly, drive down the cost of building maintenance. Because water is also saved in the process, this self-cleaning technology translates to a more environmentally friendly method to keep buildings clean in a skyscraper-filled metropolis.
Additionally, physical cleaning, usually using strong detergents or high-pressure water jets, can cause damage to the building materials. The same materials when treated with the photocatalytic self- cleaning coating can last longer. This naturally leads to lower maintenance cost.
In recent years, "self-cleaning" coating using photocatalytic Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) has gained considerable industry attention. With assistance of little UV light from fluorescence source or sunlight, TiO2 offers two unique properties:
1. Strong oxidation power
2. Super-hydrophilicity.
Strong oxidation power can be used to kill bacteria and viruses on the wall, or remove foul smell from stains in toilet, or eliminate NOx, COV, mold and allergens. Super-hydrophilic property can allow dirt and stains to be easily washed away with water or by rainfall when such coating is applied to exterior surfaces.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS:
- Commercial buildings (hotels, shopping malls, offices, convention centres).
- Heritage buildings / conservation projects
- Educational institutes
- Cars, buses, trucks, trains, boats, ...
- many other industries (solar panels, windmills, tranformation goods, medical, etc..)
ADVANTAGES:
- Maintenance-free if the surfaces are being coated.
- Environmentally friendly technology.
- Reduce maintenance cost and efforts.
- Purification of air, water and materials
News PHOTOCAL
March 2010
Photocatalysis PHOTOCAL presented at Bouygues Bâtiment International home office,a major french building company
February 2010
New self-cleaning photocatalytic coating for porous buiding materials:
PHOTOCAL MASONRY
1 single layer is enough - Simultaneously waterproof, photocatalytic and superhydrophilic !
The best current protection for your roofs, facades and terraces !
See the Data Sheet
