How to assess the self-cleaning effect of my photocatalytic product

How to assess the self-cleaning effect of my photocatalytic product

Thursday, 11 July, 2024

Thanks to ADINSClean technology, based on photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles supported on sepiolite, Comindex is making it possible to formulate self-cleaning coatings. The incorporation of this product in outdoor coating formulations allows for the removal of dirt and contamination thanks to the direct action of light.

As a result of the photocatalysis process, the degradation of harmful organic particles is attained, contributing to less environmental dirt build-up on coated façades.

To assess this self-cleaning advantage, different tests have been developed.

1. Standard ISO 27448:2009 (reviewed in 2020). Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Test method for self-cleaning performance of semiconducting photocatalytic materials — Measurement of water contact angle.
This method is used to measure the water contact angle under illumination with ultraviolet light, which is one of the indices influencing the self-cleaning performance of photocatalytic materials.

2. Standard ISO 10678:2010 (reviewed in 2017 with a new version currently under preparation). Fine ceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Determination of photocatalytic activity of surfaces in an aqueous medium by degradation of methylene blue.
This standard specifies a method for the determination of the photocatalytic activity of surfaces by degradation of the dye molecule methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution using artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and characterises the ability of photoactive surfaces to degrade dissolved organic molecules on ultraviolet radiation.

3. Standard UNI 11259-8:2016. Fotocatalisi – Determinazione dell'attività fotocatalitica di leganti idraulici.
This standard specifies a method for the determination of the activity of the photocatalytic hydraulic binders through a colorimetric method (Rhodamine B)

4. Standard UNE-EN 16845-1:2019. Photocatalysis – Anti-soiling chemical activity using adsorbed organics under solid/solid conditions – Part 1: Dyes on porous surfaces.
This specifies a test method for the measurement under solid/solid conditions of the decolouring ability under irradiation with ultraviolet light (UV-A) of a test sample on which a dye solution is sprayed and dried.

All these methods only assess the self-cleaning capacity of the material under ultraviolet light radiation. They cannot be applied to assess other behavioural properties of photocatalytic materials, such as the decomposition of pollutants in liquid or gaseous phases that contact the material, and anti-fogging and antibacterial action.

As well as self-cleaning, ADINSClean will provide other benefits in your formulation:

Safer handling, avoiding exposure to TiO2 nanoparticles
Larger specific surface area, achieving greater effectiveness with lower dosage
Easier dispersion in the matrix
Less internal degradation of the resin/binder in the formulation

For further information on these products, please contact our team of technical sales advisors.

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