Title : USE OF PHOTOCATALYTIC CEMENTS FOR ARCHITECTURAL PURPOSES
Authors : Jacob Mathew, Gian Luca Guerrini, Tiziana De Marco
Publication : 8 - 10, October 2015
Volume : 2
Pages :
Price : 250
Abstract : Among the different photocatalytic solutions available on the market, i.active® cements by Italcementi Group are the most common raw materials currently utilized for the manufacturing of building products possessing an added value in terms of sustainability and surface quality. Main purposes for its use are the maintenance of original colour prolonged time (mainly based on the desoiling of organic substances deposited on the surfaces) and a depolluting effect, especially to improve the air quality in urban environments. Further, another environmental advantage in their use is in terms of mitigation of urban heat island effects. Currently, i.active® cements are commercially available in Europe, North America, North Africa and, very recently, in India too. Almost three million square meters of photocatalytic cement-based surfaces have been already applied and this number is expected to grow substantially in the coming years. The most common applications of i.active products/systems, are here summarized: (a) horizontal applications: paving blocks, paving plates, roofing tiles, concrete pavements and slurries for the percolation of open-graded asphalts; (b) vertical applications: paints, finishing coats, plasters and other rendering cement-based materials, ready-mix and precast manufacts (i.e. cladding panels), coatings and lining elements for tunnels and indoor applications. This paper gives an overview of the current situation, in terms of photocatalytic technology and reflectance values (SRI) presenting the most relevant results in terms of completed projects - e.g. Vodafone Village in Milan (Italy), i.lab in Bergamo (Italy), “Eagle in flight” building in Tirana (Albania), Italian Pavilion for Expo 2015 (Universal Exhibition) in Milan (Italy).