Enhancing Mechanical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Portland Cement through Titanium Oxide Incorporation

Abstract

The impact of various factors such as microbes, allergens, inadequate environmental conditions, pollutants, and suboptimal building materials on human health within indoor environments is of utmost importance due to the significant amount of time people spend inside buildings. The objective of this study was to assess the combination of Portland cement (PC) with Titanium Oxide (TiO2) nano powder for antimicrobial properties with good physical and mechanical strength. TiO2 was added to PC at various percentages (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5% by the weight of cement) and analysis of slump flow, compressive strength and flexural strength were determined. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar diffusion test, utilizing 4 bacteria strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Results showed that the addition of TiO2 increased the mechanical strength of the specimen with 1.0% TiO2 displaying the optimum result. For the antimicrobial activity, samples with 1.05% TiO2 had the highest efficiency in inhibiting bacteria growth. The findings showed that a lower percentage of TiO2 added to the PC mortar significantly enhances its mechanical properties and is efficient in inhibiting the growth of bacteria. Such mortar mixture with antibacterial properties should be utilized to enhance hygiene conditions in diverse environments, including hospitals, institutional kitchens, etc., where such properties are necessary.