Novel photocatalytic coating on façade paints: Functional properties and durability

Abstract

The negative influence of the environmental pollutants on building materials used for façades could be minimized by applying protective photocatalytic coatings with selfcleaning properties. Novel inorganic-inorganic nanocomposite photocatalytic coating based on TiO2/Zn-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) was applied on commercial façade paint and the functional properties (photocatalytic activity and surface properties) were studied before and after durability tests towards the adhesion of the coating. The results showed that the TiO2/ZnAl LDH based coating did not influence esthetic appearance, surface roughness and microhardness of the façade paints. The coating demonstrated a significant photocatalytic activity and the photo-induced hydrophilicity, enabling the self-cleaning effect. The study of the influence of temperature and relative humidity on photocatalytic activity indicated that optimal weather conditions for the application of coating precursors onto the façade paints are in the spring and in autumn seasons. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III45008]

Keywords

• protective coating
• Zn-Al layered double hydroxides
• TiO2
• photocatalytic activity
• coating hydrophilicity