Cement Clinker Modified by Photocatalyst—Selected Mechanical Properties and Photocatalytic Activity during NO and BTEX Decomposition

Abstract

In this paper, a new way to obtain photoactive cements was presented. In this method amorphous TiO2 is added to a cooler during the cooling of the cement clinker (Górażdże company) during cement production. Amorphous TiO2 was taken from the installation for obtaining titanium dioxide using the sulphate method. During the study, amorphous TiO2 was added to the clinker at 300, 600, 700, and 800 °C. The properties of the obtained cement were tested during the bending and compressive strength. The initial and the end of setting time was also measured. The adhesion of the obtained materials to concrete block, ceramic brick, and plasterboard were also evaluated. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained materials was studied during NO and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-, m-, o-xylenes decomposition) decomposition. Cement with 5 wt% TiO2 added to the clinker at 700 °C had the highest photocatalytic activity and the best mechanical properties.

Keywords

• photocatalysis
• photoactive cement
• NO decomposition