Paint destroys air pollutants

Paint destroys air pollutants
Paint destroys air pollutants
Anonim

Many research institutions around the world are working on the problem of clean air in cities. Designers, architects, builders offer their startups. Another large-scale project was funded by the European Commission.

Thermoregulatory paint, which conserves and regulates the heat of the house, was recently discussed. Today this innovative paint is being tested as part of a broader megaproject. Within its framework, another type of paint has been developed and has already been introduced, called AIRLITE. The principle of this development is based on photocatalysis - a reaction that occurs in the atmosphere under the influence of sunlight.

Airlite has developed a paint that improves ambient air quality by breaking down air pollutants. When the sun's ultraviolet rays shine on a paint made from nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (nanoparticles are catalysts), electrons are released on the surface. Electrons interact with water droplets in the atmosphere, breaking up water molecules into highly reactive, short-lived, uncharged ions called hydroxyl radicals. The radicals attack the molecules of the pollutants and turn them into harmless compounds.

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Airlite is the only paint today that, in addition to reducing the concentration of pollutants in the air, has proven effective as an antibacterial material. It is able to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold on coatings and suppress unpleasant odors. Its use is safe for interior decoration of buildings. Traditional paints contain hazardous chemicals known as VOCs, but Airlite uses a calcium base that is devoid of them. The base is a by-product from the marble production site in Italy, and the paint itself is supplied as a powder for mixing with water (the powder can be colored).

The paint was first tested in 2007 in a polluted Roman tunnel. One month after the repair work, the level of nitrogen oxides in the center of the tunnel dropped by 20%. The paint has since been used in hospitals, schools, airports, offices and homes around the world. And last year, a renowned artist used paint to create Europe's first cleansing graffiti.

In addition to this, it is worth adding that the use of paint on the outside of buildings can cool the interior in hot weather, because it reflects heat from sunlight. For example, if a wall painted with traditional paints warms up to + 60 °, then on the wall under Airlite it is no higher than + 36 °. In this way, the energy consumption of air conditioners can be reduced by 29%, and therefore, this will have an impact on the reduction of CO2 emissions.

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