Innovative Building Material – Reduction of Air Pollution through TioCem®

Abstract

In many European cities air quality is a massive problem. Besides the particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOX) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are mainly responsible for the heavy pollution. Motivation to “do something” to protect the environment and climate is increasing constantly. Pollutants such as nitrogen oxides can be oxidized by means of photolysis. With the help of photocatalytic active particles this effect can be accelerated extensively. Photocatalytic active particles dispersed in the concrete turn it into an air pollutant reducing surface. Pollutants getting in contact with the concrete surface are decomposed or oxidized and therewith rendered harmless. This brand new technique is introduced into building industry with a new label “TX Active®“1. A premium brand cement for the production of photo catalytically active concrete products - TX Active® products - is now available in the form of TioCem®. This cement can effectively contribute to air purification by using in numerous concrete components such as pavement, roof tiles, facade plates, concrete road surfaces, mortars etc.