Study on Self-Cleaning Concrete Using Nano-liquid TiO2

Abstract

The present work explores to study the compressive strength and self-cleaning properties of the concrete by the applications of nano-liquid TiO2 on fresh concrete with different dosages (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 ml) and single, double, and triple layer coating of nano-liquid Tio2 on the hardened concrete surfaces. Cement was partially replaced with Fly ash by In this study cement was replaced with 30% fly ash and to examine self cleaning properties of concrete by using Rhodamine-B dye (RhB) discoloration test under Sunlight/UV light visual observation. Concrete samples with photocatalytic nano-liquid Tio2 was mixed with fresh concrete (NF) showed enhanced compression strength by increasing the dosages when compared to the nano-liquid Tio2 was coated on the surface of the hardened concrete (NH). Self cleaning ability of NH of samples showed better results in cleaning ability than NF samples.

Potential Applications of Geopolymer Cement-Based Composite as Self-Cleaning Coating: A Review

“…The botanist, Wilhelm Barthlott discovered the principle of self-cleaning in 1973 [16]. This is due to the photocatalytic action, which removes the pollutants when the photocatalyst has been added [19]. The properties of self-cleaning include that it is a "bio-inspired" material, mimicking biological systems that exhibit the "lotus effect."…”

“…With the presence of UV radiation from the sun, photocatalytic reaction occurs. When heat and light strike the concrete surface, which are covered by a layer of photocatalytic materials, photocatalyst uses the energy to disintegrate the organic pollutant into the oxygen, water, nitrate, sulphate molecule, CO2, etc., as shown in Figure 1 [19,[22][23][24]. Due to the superhydrophilic surface of the photocatalyst, the reaction products from the self-cleaning process are easily removed by simple rinsing or rain [16].…”

“…This is a promising approach for self-cleaning surfaces, and NOx degradation has successfully solved the major environmental problem of air pollution [26]. This photocatalytic reaction also contributes to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) decomposition, consequently removing the contaminants and impurities from the surrounding environment [19]. Buildings can maintain their aesthetic appearance by removing the dirt and stains on the building surface, and the air quality can be improved through the degradation of airborne pollutants [27,28].…”

“…The self-cleaning paste is a promising new invention in cementitious materials and has a potential for new approach to maintain cleaner city by reducing the air pollutants in the urban areas. The photocatalytic reaction is capable of accelerating the natural oxidation process and speeding up pollutant decomposition [19,23,24]. The self-cleaning property of building materials displays multiple photocatalytic functions by preserving the aesthetic appearance of the building even in harsh urban environments, which reduces the costs of routine maintenance effectively and depollution that contributes to mitigating heat and urban microclimates in ensuring a cleaner environment [23,31,[38][39][40].…”

“…The incorporation of nanomaterials improves structural efficiency and cementitious materials' durability, which assist in the quality improvement and structures' longevity [31]. Nanoparticles added to cement can be used as a cement paste admixture or to replace a portion of the cement, making a significant contribution to the construction materials field [19,64]. The well-distributed nanoparticles act as fillers in the empty space, increasing hydration rate and tendency for agglomeration during mixing.…”