FAQ active nanotechnology
What kind of pollutants decomposes the TiO2-coating in the air?
The Titanium dioxide-coating decomposes in the air: nitrogen oxide (NOx), formaldehyde, benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOC).This includes troublesome odorous substances. These pollutants are decomposed to nontoxic compounds like carbon dioxide, water and nitrates.
What kind of pollutants decomposes the TiO2-coating in water?
Nano-Titaniumdioxid decomposes organic pollutants in water. Decomposition products are nontoxic compounds like carbon dioxide, water and nitrates.The process is known as PhotoCatalytic Oxidization (PCO).The process works better as the UV irradiation is more intensive. UV lamps are used for optimization.
Does a TiO2-coating change the hardness and the feel of the surface?
The Titanium dioxide-coating has a hardness of approx. 5H to 7H (pencil grade) after hardening. Coated fabrics and textiles do not change their feel after coating.
Can a TiO2-coating be removed?
A TiO2-coating can be removed mechanically. The use of a high-pressure cleaner or a sandblast removes the coating in part or completely. Abrasive cleaner also can remove the TiO2-coating.
How does the air cleaning work?
The pollutants in the air are repeatedly brought into contact with the coated surface by air movement and convection.If the pollutants strike the coated surface they are decomposed by Titandioxid. Amongst others are decomposed in the air: nitrogen oxide (NOx), formaldehyde, benzene and other volatile organic compounds (VOC). Decomposition products are innocuous compounds like carbon dioxide, water and nitrates.
How does the water cleaning work?
Nano-Titanium dioxide decomposes organic pollutants in the water. Decomposition products are innocuous compounds like carbon dioxide, water and nitrates. The method is known as PhotoCatalytic Oxidization (PCO). The method works so much the better the more intensive is the UV-irradiation. UV lamps are used for optimisation. The method works well at room temperature. Pollutants that can not be oxidized will not be decomposed.
How does the odour elimination work?
The odorous substances in the air meet with the airflow the coated surface. There they are decomposed to odorless compounds like carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H20).
How does the antibacterial effect of TiO2 work?
As bacteria meet the titanium dioxide coating it decomposes the cell wall of the bacteria.Thereby the bacteria are killed. If Nano-Titanium dioxide is used as a slurry the bacteria gather the Nano-particles and the titanium dioxide decomposes essential parts of the bacterias interior. The bacteria are killed.
Can I apply a TiO2-coating by myself?
The coating should be applied on all even surfaces and on glas with a HVLP spray gun (high volume low pressure). With such a equipment the coating can be self-applied. Nevertheless the quality of the coating will not be as good as if applied professionally. Only with a certain experience a constant application will be reached.
Do I need special precleaners?
Special precleaners are not needed. The surface should be cleaned thoroughly before coating.There should remain no rests of the cleaner on the surface. For glass we recommend to use [PHOTOKAT NR1304] for precleaning.
Is there scientific evidence for the efficiency?
The efficiency of titanium dioxide coatings is analysed and documented ample by scientific studies. On request we provide further information or links.
What happens if the coated surface is damaged?
Scratches and small marks do not reduce the efficiency of the titanium dioxide coating. Usual effects of the weather do not wear the coating. The coating can only be removed by extreme influences like continuing scouring with sand or granulates.
What is the difference between this „active“ titanium dioxide and the titanium dioxide from wallpaint?
The „active“ titanium dioxide consists of nanoscale particles in the „anatas“ form. On nano particles the surface properties dominate compared to the volume properies that determine the characteristics of „normal“ substances. The surface properties result amongst other things in the photocatalytic effect of the nano titanium dioxide.
What does the doping with silver ions at TA2206?
The doping with silver in titanium dioxide increases the antibacterial effect of the coating.Silver ions antibacterial activity has in conjunction with the effect of antibacterial Nano-dioxide worse. Silver-doped nano-tio2 products are active at very low light intensities.
Does the coating work with artificial light in indoor-areas?
The doping with silver ions enhances the efficiency of the titanium dioxide coating with sparse sunlight greatly. Silver ions have amongst other things an antibacterial effect that is enhanced in interaction with the antibacterial effect of the titanium dioxide. Silver doped titanium dioxide products are active even at low light intensity.
When do we speak of amorphous titanium dioxide?
In the amorphous state the titanium dioxide is not crystalline and therefore not photocatalytically active.
How should titanium dioxide be stored?
Titanium dioxide should be stored cool and dark, at a temperature of 5 to 25°C.
What has to be observed if glass is cleaned before the coating with titanium dioxide?
The surface of glass is often covered by an oil or silicone film. This film has to be removed completely before coating.
Can titanium dioxide be applied with a brush or a paint roller?
This is in principle no problem on rough and priming undergrounds. But it is very difficult to apply a constant and even covering layer, therefore we advise against it.
How much titanium dioxide solution is required for one square meter?
This depends highly on the underground.Priming undergrounds need more coat application than non-priming undergrounds.Depending on the material (stone, glass, plastics) different amounts of titanium dioxide are needed for optimal results. Specific values are found in the application manuals.
How can the formation of drops be avoided during the coating process?
Do not apply too much solution at once. Three to four thin layers are optimal.
How long dries a titanium dioxide coating?
The titanium dioxide coating is dust-dry after half an hour if the weather is good.After this, rain can cause no harm. Drying Time depends varies with the product. You can glean the correct drying-information at the product-data sheets (download-area). Drying can be influenced positively by additional heat. Some products can be heated up to 600 °C during industrial application.
What causes a whitish film on the surface after the application of titanium dioxide?
This effect can be caused on dark underground by a thicker coating than recommended. On dark undergrounds it is recommended to apply titanium dioxide sparingly. Data to the strength of coating are found in the data sheets.
How durable is the titanium dioxide film?
The durability depends heavily on the treatment of the coated surface and the surrounding conditions. The durability can vary between five and ten years, the photocatalytic effect lasts unlimited.
What is HVLP technique and where do I get such a device from?
HVLP (= High Volume Low Pressure) is the so called low pressure spray technique. This technique has already approved in the varneshing business for applying coatings. One special advantage in comparison with other spray techniques (e.g. Airless) is the significantly lower product loss by overspray. Complete HVLP-systems can be bought for the application of Titandioxid from PHOTOKAT.