Italcementi Italcementi Group - fotocatalisis · 2020-07-08 · TX Active® by Italcementi - TECHNICAL REPORT PREFACE Photochemistry plays a role of primary importance in both biological

TX Active®

The Photocatalytic Active Principle

Italcementi

Italcementi Group

TECHNICALREPORT

TX Active®

The Photocatalytic Active Principle

TECHNICAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ...................................................................................................... 3

AIR POLLUTION .......................................................................................... 4

REGULATIONS ............................................................................................ 7

THE PHOTOCATALYSIS .............................................................................. 11

TX ACTIVE® THE PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVE PRINCIPLE .......................... 12

MEASURING BENEFITS ............................................................................... 13

THE TX ACTIVE® RANGE ............................................................................. 16

CUSTOMER TOOLS ..................................................................................... 17

CASE HISTORIES WITH MONITORING RESULTS ....................................... 19TX Aria® ........................................................................................................ 19TX Arca® ....................................................................................................... 24

WORLDWIDE REFERENCES ......................................................................... 27

FAQs ............................................................................................................ 29

SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................... 32

TX Active® by Italcementi - TECHNICAL REPORT

2


PREFACE

Photochemistry plays a role of primary importance in both biological processes andenvironmental control. For this reason, the use of light for environmental purposes could bea valid answer to the demand for a cleaner environment and a better quality of life.

Accordingly, the photochemical technology applied to building materials can be a winningsolution, and the intense researches in this field has laid the foundation for extensiveapplications in various industrial sectors.

The solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface is equivalent to approximately 10,000 timesthe annual energy consumption worldwide and the pursuit of an efficient conversion of all ofthis energy into useful forms (i.e. thermal conditioning, transportation, industrial production,etc.) is one of the most important opportunities for technology developments.

In particular, a new promising field is represented by the environmental depollution, andwithin this challenge Italcementi developed a new photocatalytic cement able to answer theenvironmental concerns by triggering its TX Active® principle contained in the final products.

The results of the tests performed in our laboratories and on site allow us to state thatphotocatalytic cementitious materials, when irradiated by appropriate light, increase theeffectiveness of abating noxious organic and inorganic substances they come into contactwith, such as NOX, SOX, NH3, CO, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), chlorinated organiccompounds, aldehydes and polycondensed aromatic compounds that are responsible for airpollution.

In addition, experimental evidences show that photocatalytic cement based products are ableto maintain their aesthetic appearance unaltered for a long time as well.

In view of the above, we believe the use of photocatalysts applied to building materials couldimprovement of the living conditions of our urban environments.

Enrico Borgarello

R&D Central Manager

3

PREFACE


Sand storm on theCanary Island

AIR POLLUTION

Clean air is considered to be a basic requirement for human health and well-being. However,air pollution continues to pose a significant threat to health worldwide.

Air pollution is a set of noxious effects altering the biosphere with repercussions on humanbeings. Such harmful effects depend on the action of agents that, once released into the airmainly as by-products from human activities, modify the existing equilibrium.

Accordingly, in the atmosphere there is a presence of substances that in the air naturalcomposition do not occur, or if they do occur, they have a lower concentration level and, justbecause of such presence, they have a noxious effect on human beings, animals, vegetationand materials.

As a matter of fact, numerous researches affirm that exposure to high levels of air pollutionis associated with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and according to the World HealthOrganization (WHO), more than 2 million premature deaths each year can be attributed tothe effects of urban outdoor and indoor air pollution.

The WHO estimates that reducing levels of one particular type of pollutants (known asPM10) could reduce deaths in polluted cities by as much as 15% every year. On the subject,the Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (The National Institute research against cancers), Milan -Italy, estimates that a 50% decrease in air pollution, just in the city of Milan, would prevent1,200 deaths and 10,000 cases of respiratory diseases per year, as well as an additional 1.5year life expectancy per citizen.

Polluting Sources

In the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists 188“toxic air pollutants” of both organic and inorganic origin. Although pollutants may be naturalor man-made and may take the form of solid particles, liquid droplets or gases, the pollutingsubstances released into the biosphere are mostly generated by anthropogenic activities.

The main actors responsible for air pollution are represented by the internal combustionengine vehicles, factories, refineries and power plants, fuels for residential heating, and thewaste incinerators, particularly if not equipped with dust abating and fume purificationsystems. Polluting agents may also derive from the use of pesticides in rural areas, and fromthe dust generated by mining and agricultural operations.

Interestingly enough, air pollution may also have natural origins; for example, it may derivefrom dusts produced by strong winds blowing in the deserts, by sand, ash and dust comingfrom volcanic explosions, and by salty sea water nuclei brought on shore by strong winds.

In addition, the pollution coming from natural gases may be caused byvolcanic explosions, fumaroles, marshes or decomposing matter. Once thepolluting substances get airborne by winds and updrafts, the coarseparticles return rapidly to the earth’s surface by gravity (fallout), while thefine ones are removed from the atmosphere by rain precipitation (wash-out).

The main pollutants are: sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX),carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs), PM10 (Particulate Matter < 10 micrometers in size), and lead.

At local level, the problem involves urban pollution caused by vehiculartraffic, building heating systems, industrial and power plants. Cities areindeed the places where the unbalancing sources get mainly concentratedwith direct effects also on human health.

As an example, according to EPA, in USA there are ten metro areas, (i.e. Los Angeles,Chicago, New York, etc.) home to 57 million people, considered to be severely polluted,meaning that the pollution levels are 50% higher than what EPA deems harmful to humanhealth and the environment, plus an additional fourteen metro areas rate as seriouslypolluted (Atlanta, Dallas, San Diego etc.).

4

AIR POLLUTION


However, air pollution is not limited to metropolitanareas, but is “migratory” in nature. From the Envisathigh-resolution global atmospheric map of nitrogendioxide pollution, it is possible to see how humanactivities impact air quality worldwide: “high verticalcolumn distributions of nitrogen dioxide are associatedwith major cities across North America, Europe andnorth-east China, along with other sites such as MexicoCity in Central America and South African coal-firedpower plants located close together in the easternHighveld plateau of that country. Also across South EastAsia and much of Africa can be seen nitrogen dioxideproduced by biomass burning and ship tracks are visiblein some locations (i.e. the Red Sea and the Indian Oceanbetween the southern tip of India and Indonesia).

Primary and secondary pollution and photochemical smog

Primary pollutants are defined as those pollutants that are emitted directly fromtheir own sources.The main primary pollutants are released by combustion processes of any kind, i.e. unburnedhydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides (mainly as monoxide) and particulatematter. In case of sulfur containing fuels, sulfur dioxide release might occur too.Once emitted into the atmosphere, primary pollutants undergo diffusion, transport anddeposition processes as well as chemical & physical transformations which may lead to theformation of new polluting species, sometimes more toxic and with a wider-range actionthan the original pollutants.The dispersion of polluting substances into the atmosphere, caused by phenomena ofturbulent diffusion and air mass transport, as well as their removal through depositionprocesses, are strictly dependent on the dynamic behavior of the lower layers of theatmosphere. It follows that, in order to study the primary pollutants behavior, it is necessaryboth to understand the qualitative, quantitative and time-dependent profile of the emissionsand to gather information regarding the meteorological processes that regulate the dynamicbehavior of the lower troposphere (stability classes, wind direction and intensity).Secondary pollutants are defined as the polluting species resulting from thephysical-chemical transformation of primary pollutants, i.e. of the chemical speciesreleased into the atmosphere directly from their own sources.Among the secondary pollutants formation processes, of great importance is the series ofreactions between nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons in the presence of sunlight. This chainof reactions leads to the oxidation of nitric monoxide (NO) into nitrogen dioxide (NO2), to theproduction of ozone (O3) and the oxidation of hydrocarbons, with the formation ofperoxyacetylnitrate (PAN), formaldehyde, nitric acid, nitrates and nitro-derivatives particles,and hundreds of other minor chemical species.The whole set of these reactions products is defined as “photochemical smog”,which represents one of the most harmful forms of pollution for the ecosystem.

5

The image shows theNitrogen Dioxide (NO

2)

Vertical Column Density(VCD) in the tropospherebetween January 2003and June 2004.SCIAMACHYInstrumentationEquipment on the ESA’sEnvisat.The scale is in 1015

molecules/cm2.

AIR POLLUTION


The use of the term “smog” derives from the strong visibility reduction occurring during thephotochemical pollution events, caused by the formation of a great number of particles ofconsiderable size.To trigger a photochemical pollution process, it is necessary the presence of sunlight,nitrogen oxides and VOCs; in addition, the process is enhanced by the high atmospherictemperatures. Since nitrogen oxides and VOCs are among the emissions main constituents inurban areas, the cities located in geographical areas with intense solar radiation and hightemperatures (e.g. in the Mediterranean areas), represent the best candidates to developepisodes of intense photochemical smog.In the lower atmosphere, the ozone is produced from the reaction of atmospheric oxygenwith atomic oxygen coming from of nitrogen dioxide photolysis, and in turn the ozone isremoved by the nitrogen monoxide to form new NO2.In unpolluted atmospheres, where there is no appreciable concentration of other chemicalspecies, this series of reactions represents a cycle (the ozone photo stationary cycle), and forthis reason there is no chance of photochemical pollution. The basic principle, whereby theatmosphere may get enriched in ozone and other photo-oxidizing species (i.e. that are chemicaloxidizing species resulting from chemical reactions occurring only in the presence of light),relies in the NO2 formation through alternative ways, that do not entail any ozone removal.

Therefore, the identification of NO2 formation paths is the clue to understand thephotochemical oxidizing processes.

The main alternative to form NO2 is represented by the oxidation of NO by peroxide radicals(RO2). These free radicals come from the degradation of volatile hydrocarbon (RH) moleculesand their subsequent reaction with atmospheric oxygen. The attack to volatile hydrocarbons isdue to the presence of other types of free radicals in the atmosphere, the hydroxyl radicals (OH).

Therefore, the processes generating the hydroxyl radicals, are fundamental in triggering thephotochemical pollution.

Basically, also the production of OH radicals is a photochemical type reaction, which mainprecursors are nitrous acid, formaldehyde and ozone itself. Therefore, the ozone is not onlythe most important product in the photochemical pollution processes from a quantitativepoint of view, but also part of the “fuel” that triggers the process itself. The same is valid, toa certain point, for nitrous acid and formaldehyde, which are the OH radicals precursors butthey undergo through a secondary formation path from species involved in thephotochemical processes (nitrogen dioxide for nitrous acid, and hydrocarbons and radicals orozone for formaldehyde).

These remarks allow us to understand the reason why acute photochemical smog eventsoften persist, with increasing intensities, for many consecutive days.

Finally, the origin of a photochemical smog event is composed of various phases that can besummarized as follows:

1. an atmosphere rich in primary pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and volatilehydrocarbons, as well as OH radicals precursors, like nitrous acid, formaldehyde andozone, is hit by UV solar radiation.

2. the UV radiation causes the photolysis of nitrous acid, formaldehyde and ozone (as pereach own increasing level of UV energy required), with production of OH radicals.

3. the OH radicals attack several species of reactive volatile hydrocarbons, triggering a seriesof chain reactions that lead to the degradation of the hydrocarbon molecules and theformation of peroxide radicals (RO2).

4. the RO2 radicals oxidize nitrogen monoxide, producing NO2; each radical takes part inmany NO to NO2 conversion cycles, before extinguishing.

5. the NO2 through photolysis produces ozone, re-generating an NO molecule that becomesavailable for a new oxidation process.

6. Alternatively, NO2 reacts either with OH radicals, producing nitric acid, or withperoxyacetyl radicals, forming peroxyacetylnitrate (the final products that complete thereactions series) and in this case, NO2 is removed from the photochemical cycle.

(Source: RSA 2001 - Report on the Status of the Environment in Italy)

6

AIR POLLUTION


REGULATIONS

European regulation

At European level, an official CEN (European Commettee for Standardization) working group hasbeen set up to define common guidelines and regulations, but it has not still started its activity.

Over the last few years, the regulations related to air quality assessment and management havebeen modified according to the directives issued by the European Commission, which work isbased on the development of a control strategy through the definition of long-term objectives.

In 1996, the European Union adopted a framework directive on air quality assessment andmanagement (Directive No. 96/62/CE), followed in 1999 by an application directive (1999/30/EC) that identifies the limit values for pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and dioxide,sulfur dioxide, lead and PM 10. However as of to date, the Commission emphasizes theCountries are in considerable default towards these Community duties.

An international ISO working group (ISO-TC 206/WG 37, “Test method for photocatalyticmaterials”) has recently published the ISO22197-1 standard with the following title: “Fineceramics (advanced ceramics, advanced technical ceramics) — Test method for air-purification performance of semiconducting photocatalytic materials. Part 1: Removal ofnitric oxide”. This standard has been derived from the 2004 Japanese one (JIS R 1701-1), notspecifically developed for cement-based materials. Finally, other ISO drafts are underdiscussion and once they become final standards, they will be a reference to assess theproducts’ performance as well as a useful tool to both public and private building contractorsthat might want to include them in their tenders.

Italy: UNI standards

Within UNI (the Italian organization for standardization), for over three years an official“Photocatalysis” group has been working to define and publish testing standards for buildingmaterials with photocatalytic activity. In particular, as of today, three standards have beenpublished about cement-based materials:

- UNI 11238-1. Determination of the catalytic degradation of organic micropollutants in air.Part 1: Photocatalytic cementitious materials.

- UNI 11247. Determination of the catalytic degradation of nitrous dioxides by photocatalyticinorganic materials.

- UNI 11259. Determination of the photocatalytic activity of hydraulic binders. Rhodaminetest method.

UNI 11238-1

In this standard, a method to measure the degradation of volatile organic compounds (i.e.BTEX, that is Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene) by photocatalytic cementitiousmaterials is described.The method, called Gas Chromatography Method, was initially developed as part of thePICADA Project and measures the photodegradation of ppb level air organic compounds in acontinuous flow system of a gaseous stream passing over a surface.Thanks to a specially designed stirred-flow reactor, effective mixing and uniform reactantsconcentration at high conversion factor are achieved, allowing to measure the surfacephotocatalytic activity.The photocatalytic activity is defined as specific degradation rate, normalized for anirradiating UV-light of 1,000 µW/cm², and expressed in (µg/m²·h) / (µg/m³), that is m/h, forthe BTEX standard mixture.The pollutant concentrations in the gaseous stream and the irradiation levels are comparableto those found under real ambient conditions.In addition, it is possible to study the effects of variations in pollutants concentration,irradiation levels and titanium dioxide percentages in the cementitious materials.

7

REGULATIONS


UNI 11247

It refers to one of the methods commonly used to assess the photocatalytic activity ofinorganic materials with respect to NOX abatement. Generally, these tests are carried outwith a fixed NOX concentration (equal to 0.55 ppm, of which 0.15 ppm of NO2 and 0.4 ppmof NO) in N2, corresponding to a possible atmospheric pollution. The results can be expressedas a percentage of NOX decomposition by a photocatalytic sample under UV radiation. Also,it is possible to calculate the intrinsic photocatalytic activity of the inorganic material.

In the standardized method, that is a “dynamic” method, the NOX content of a continuousgaseous stream, representing a polluted air stream, is monitored after being in contact withthe surface of a photocatalytic sample. The test set-up is represented in the following figure.

The simulated polluted air is controlled and injected into the reaction chamber containing thesample.

System description and test conditions are as follows:

• An artificial atmosphere generator system with a NOX source, to provide a continuous flowwith a constant NOX concentration;

• A reaction chamber containing the sample with a UV lamp (irradiance between 300 and400 nm, 300 Watt power at 365 nm) providing an accurate light intensity (20 W/m²) onthe sample surface. The size of the chamber (3 liters) is sized in order to test samples witha defined exposed surface area (65 cm²).

• The NOX concentration at the outlet of the reaction chamber is measured with achemiluminescence NOX meter.

The measurement procedure is as follows:

1. Stabilization. The sample is placed inside the reaction chamber with the polluted air flow(3 l/min) and the UV Lamp switched off. This phase lasts about 1 hour and is necessary toequalize the adsorption processes and assure a constant NOX concentration (i.e. gas flowstabilization) in the air supply flow. This initial value is noted as Co.

2. Irradiation. The UV Lamp is switched on and the system is allowed to equalize for a certaintime (normally about 1 hour). The irradiated equilibrium concentration is noted as Ceq.

3. Return. The UV Lamp is switched off and the NOX concentration is checked to its initialvalue. An example of the measured curve is shown here below.

A schematic viewof the “dynamic”method

Data obtainedwith thedynamic testmethod

8

REGULATIONS


The result is given as NOX reduction percentage Q = (1-Ceq/C0)·100. For the example of thegraph before, Q = 33%.

The photocatalytic activity (P.A.) of nitrogen oxide reduction (as units of m/h) for differentreaction times can be calculated from the formula:

IS

F

C

CC

B

LB ××−

=)(

m × h-1

where CB and CL are the NOX, NO2, NO concentrations measured at equilibrium respectivelyin dark and under light conditions; S is the geometrical surface area of the specimen underinvestigation, in m2; F is the gas flow, in m3/h; I is the adimensional intensity of the luminousflow that is obtained by comparing the experimentally measured intensity I’ (in W/m2) and1,000 W/m2, which corresponds to about 100,000 Lux (that is the average value that thesolar light reaches at noon on an average July day).

Among the other types of tests, there is a “static” or “gas recirculation” method, where acertain volume of polluted air is put into a closed circuit with no air exchange during theexperiment. The sample to be tested for photocatalytic activity is put into a glass reactionchamber with a UV Lamp on top. See figure here below.

Gas sampling is carried out over time to monitor NOX concentration variations, that aremeasured with the chemiluminescence NOX meter.

Test parameters are similar to those ones of the “dynamic” method:

With reference to the above figure, tests are carried out as follows:

• Mixing and reaction chambers are first filled with air. Then a certain amount of NOX isadded in the mixing chamber, until a constant concentration at equilibrium is attained.

• Consequently, the NOX is pumped into the closed circuit (i.e. the mixing chamber and thereaction chamber) and the analyzer records the NOX concentration at time zero, called C0.

The above procedure is repeated twice: firstly with the photocatalytic sample inside thereaction chamber and the UV Lamp turned off (or when it is possible with an equivalent non-photocatalytic sample with the UV Lamp turned on); secondly with the sample inside thereaction chamber and the UV Lamp turned on.

The NOX concentration is recorded at time zero (C0) and after certain fixed times (Ct) (e.g. 30and 60 min.).

The adsorption on the sample surface is evaluated by assimilating the adsorption part of theabatement of the gas concentration in the dark.

The test results can be given in terms of NOX reduction percentage (either before and afterswitching on the Lamp if a single photocatalytic sample is used, or by comparing the resultsof a sample with photocatalytic surface and a reference sample with no photocatalyticsurface).

A schematic viewof the “static”method

9

P.A.

REGULATIONS


UNI 11259

This standard is known also as the Rhodamine test, published in February 2008. This methodpermits to monitor the colorimetric variations over time (to a maximum of 26 hours), equalto the discoloration of cement-based samples previously surface-treated with an organicpigment, and under a continuous exposition to UV-A radiations (i.e. a UV- Lamp) at adistance from the sample equal to 1m.

The Rhodamine B is used as pigment, that is a red organicdye applied in solution on the surface of the specimens.

The photocatalytic activity is observed and measured withreference to the Rhodamine fading. For the colorimetricmeasurement, a CIE L*a*b* colorimeter is used, bymonitoring “a*” (the reference parameter for the redcolour).

The sample is a standard paste (containing cement, standard sand and water) prismaticspecimen prepared according to the UNI EN 196-1 standard.

First, just before the exposition to the UV-A Lamp, a* is measured at t0, namely a* (0h).Then, once the Lamp is switched on and UV-A irradiation starts, two more measures areperformed: after 4 hours, that is a* (4h), and after 26 hours, a* (26h).

Then R4 and R26 are calculated as follows:

100)0(

)4()0(*

**

4 ×−=ha

hahaR 100

)0(

)26()0(*

**

26 ×−=ha

hahaR

The hydraulic binder is considered as photocatalytic, if the following conditions are fulfilled:

R4 > 20%

R26 > 50%

This method cannot be generically used for thephotocatalytic evaluation of cement-based finishedproducts or concretes, because of the possible interactionwith other organic admixtures contained in the products.

These UNI test methods represent a common referenceenabling comparable measurements on differentphotocatalytic products.

France: AFNOR standards

Also in France, the AFNOR Group has recently set up a technical committee on“Photocatalysis” and its work is in progress to establish some standards similar to those onesalready published or in phase of final approval in Italy.

Application ofrhodamine solution onthe sample surface

Measurement of thecolorimetricparameters

Trend of a discolorationtest

10

REGULATIONS


THE PHOTOCATALYSISPhotocatalysis is the natural phenomenon similar to photosynthesis, whereby a substancecalled photocatalyst through the action of natural or artificial light triggers a strong oxidationprocess converting noxious organic and inorganic substances into absolutely harmlesscompounds.

Photocatalysis is therefore an accelerator of oxidation processes already existing innature. It promotes a faster decomposition of pollutants, preventing them fromaccumulating.

In the last decade, there have been many studies, experimentations and testings carried outby CTG, the Technical Center of Italcementi Group, in collaboration with Universities andRegional Research Centers of different Countries (such as the CNR – National ResearchCenter Air pollution institute in Italy, the Regional Laboratories of western Paris etc.).

In each occasion, the effectiveness of the photocatalytic cementitious materials was evident,proving they have a real eco - sustainable value.

Laboratory tests showed how just a 3-minute radiation is sufficient to obtain a polluting agentsreduction of up to 75%; large-scale experiments confirmed even greater abatement values.

This is how the photocatalytic city works

(1) CO, VOCs (benzene, toluene), Methyl Mercaptan (gas), Organic chlorinated compounds,policondensed aromatic compounds, Acetaldehyde Formaldehyde.(2) NO

X SO

X, NH

3 (gas).

The photocatalyticprocess presentsmany similarities towhat happens innature through thephotosynthesis

Light

Oxygen Carbon Dioxide

Water

EnergySugar

Light

Organic Pollutants

(1)

Inorganic Pollutants

(2)

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THE PHOTOCATALYSIS


TX ACTIVE® BY ITALCEMENTI:THE PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVE PRINCIPLE

The TX Active® photocatalytic principle is the basis of the photoactive cements and binders,designed and patented by Italcementi. It is used for manufacturing a wide range ofcementitious products - from paints to mortars and precast elements - with which pavements,plasters and any type of horizontal or vertical structure and coating can be made.TX Active® does not get consume during the reaction, so that its effects are not limited in time.For a good photocatalytic effectiveness, the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. De-polluting applications:

• Presence of relatively high concentrations of NOX;• Daylight, or, as an alternative, an acceptable amount of UV light (for indoor applications);• Regular rinsing either with rain or cleaning water to wash away the nitrates.

and ideal places for this product are:

• Busy streets, and high traffic lanes;• Parking lots, intersections and squares;• Gas stations and toll roads.

2. Self-cleaning applications

• Green environment• Dry or standard condition of humidity• Daylight

The first opportunity to use photocatalytic cementitious materials occurred in 1996, thanks tothe role of technical sponsor Italcementi played in the realization of Richard Meier’s Dives inMisericordia Church, in Rome. The project, winner of the international contest “50 Churchesfor Rome 2000” promoted by the Vicariate of Rome, was characterized by three imposing,white sails that were supposed to be made of precast concrete elements. A structure of sucha highly architectural prestige and symbolic significance demanded the use of an extraordinaryconcrete, not only capable of high performances in mechanical strength and durability, butalso characterized by a white color with unparallel brilliance and the ability to maintain itsaesthetic appearance unaltered over time thanks to its surface self-cleaning properties.For the first time the TX Active® principle had been applied.The photocatalytic cements find effective use also in the field of prestigious architecture.After the Church in Rome, many other projects have made use of their self-cleaning andbrilliance properties to keep their aesthetic value unaltered over time.

Italcementi’s know-howSince 1996, Italcementi has filed 12 patents on photocatalysis applied to cementitious materials:- On binders: “Hydraulic binder and cementitious composition containing phocatalyst particles”- On applications: interlocking paving stones, cladding elements in general, plasters,

renderings, finishing coats and paints based on lime and cement, concrete or other typesof cement-based pavements.

The photocatalysismechanism applied tocementitious materials

Richard Meier’s Divesin Misericordia Church,Rome, TX Active® firstapplication

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TX ACTIVE BY ITALCEMENTI


13

MEASURING BENEFITS

TX Aria® - abating pollution

Effectiveness against NOX

The testing on the nitrogen oxides (NOX) abatement effectiveness is performed in a chamberof a known volume where NOX is blown and diluted with air to achieve a preset pollutantconcentration.

As already explained, this type of test has already been standardized in Italy (UNI) and atinternational level (ISO – by using different testing conditions).

The effectiveness against NOX gases has also been demonstrated in occasion of the PICADAProject, with tests performed at the Ispra (Italy) European laboratory inside an Indoortronchamber (that is a walk-in environmental chamber featuring controlled temperature, relativehumidity, air quality, and air exchange rate, to study the sources of indoor pollution byVOCs), and with in-situ monitoring campaigns, where a similar approach to that used one inthe laboratory was adopted.

Effectiveness against PM

The effectiveness of the photocatalytic cementitious materials in abating the organiccompounds contained in the Total Suspended Particles (TSP) was demonstrated in twodifferent studies: one carried out by the Chemistry Department of the University of Florenceand the latter by the University “La Sapienza” in Rome.

In Florence, a gascromatography flame ionization analyzer (GC-FD) was used to analyse theTSP treated by mean of a UV light irradiating some photocatalytic cement-based tiles.

In Rome, a more complex approach based on a respirometric test has quantified thedegradation rate of organic PM10 particles in contact with photocatalytic cement-basedpaints.

Substances that can be abated by photocatalysis:Inorganic compounds: NOX; SOx; CO; NH3; CH3S; H2SChlorinated organic compounds: CH2Cl2; CHCl3; CCl4; 1,1-C2H4Cl2; 1,2-C2H4Cl2;1,1,1-C2H3Cl3; 1,1,2-C2H3Cl3; 1,1,1,2-C2H2Cl4; 1,1,2,2-C2H2Cl4; 1,2-C2H2Cl2;C2HCl3; C2Cl4; dioxins; chlorobenzene; chlorophenol.Organic compounds: CH3OH; C2H5OH; CH3COOH; CH4;C2H6,C3H8; C2H4; C3H6;C6H6; phenol; toluene; ethylbenzene; o-xylene; m-xylene; phenanthroquinonePesticides: Tradimefon; Pirimicarb; Asulam; Diazinon; MPMC; atrazineOther compounds: bacteria; viruses; carcinogenic cells; PM.

The reactor used to measure the NO2 abatement and the graph illustrating how immediate the

abatement is once the light is turned on and after a 60’ chamber stabilization (recirculation test).

BENEFIT MEASUREMENT


TX Arca® - preserving aesthetics

The surfaces exposed to the atmosphere get stained by the deposition of organic pigmentedcompounds – i.e. exhaust gases from motor vehicles, organic pollutants from both industrialand everyday home activities, mold, mildew etc. In addition, high humidity and surfacesroughness conditions promote their growth.

The photocatalysis not only operates by eliminating these organic molecules, but also indirectlyallows to reduce the negative effect of the dirt represented by common dust particles. Theselatter ones, in fact, use organic molecules to grip onto the surfaces; by not having thesemolecules, their grip is minimal and their removal becomes easier. Finally, in order to optimizethe cleaning action, it is useful to have smooth surfaces and with minimum porosity.

The laboratory tests showing the cleaning action have been based on field experiments: tileshave been stained by using colored pollutants (Rhodamine and Bromocresol) and thenexposed to a light source for a period of 100 hours.

Right from the first few hours, the results from the photocatalytic action are considerable,and after 1 day, the surface index turns out to be practically equal to the one of thereference sample. After 4 days all the organic stain has been destroyed.

Under the same UV light conditions, the TX Arca® cleaning action is a function of the followingparameters:

• Environment: that represents the probability of the building surface of being stained anddirtied.

- Green: corresponding to a building close to forests, parks or in the country, etc. In this case,the stains and dirt are mainly of biological origin and can be removed by photocatalysis.

- Industrial: corresponding to a building close to industrial areas, chemical or power plants,factories, etc. In this case the stains and dirt are mainly of inorganic origin (i.e. mineraldusts, fumes, combustion residue, etc.) and can not be removed by photocatalysis. On theother hand, these compounds, as mentioned earlier, use the organic molecules to grip tothe surfaces. Therefore, by removing these latter ones the grip may become minimal.

- Mixed: corresponding to a building close to cities or roads. In this case, it is possible tohave both organic and inorganic staining compounds.

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BENEFIT MEASUREMENT


15

• Exposure Conditions: that represents the Relative Humidity (R.H.), as a function of theproliferation kinetics of staining compounds of biological origin.

- Dry Conditions: corresponding to a R.H. lower than 65%. In this case the concretesurface is not exposed to proliferation of biological staining organisms.

- Humid Conditions: corresponding to a R.H. greater than 95%. In this case the concretesurface is constantly in contact with rain or water, enhancing high proliferation ofbiological staining organisms.

- Standard Conditions: corresponding to a R.H. between 65% and 95%. In this case theconcrete surface is in contact with rain and bad weather, with medium probability ofbiological staining organisms.

• Surface Characteristics: that has a direct influence on the accumulation of both organicand inorganic dirt, as well as on the surface humidity.

- Smooth: for this type of surface the grip is weak. In addition, the absence of roughnessmakes the surface dry fast, with non proliferation of biological staining organisms.

- Rough: for this type of surface the grip is moderate. Accordingly this light roughnessenables the concrete surface to stay humid, promoting slight proliferation of biologicalstaining organisms.

- Very Rough: for this type of surface the grip is very strong. The presence of a very roughsurface enhances the presence of humidity and therefore the proliferation of stainingbiological organisms. Moreover, the amount of photoactive paste is limited, thereforethis type of surface is not recommended.

The aforementioned parameters are summarized in the following Recommendation Guide:

BENEFIT MEASUREMENT

N.A.

N.A.N.A.


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THE TX ACTIVE® RANGE

The range of photocatalytic cements and binders is comprised of two familiesdiffering in the type of benefits offered, namely, de-polluting benefits (i.e. cleanerair) and aesthetic benefits (i.e. cleaner buildings). These products can be white, greyor colored with inorganic pigments in order to obtain a distinctive appearance.

TX ARIA® - the Environmental Line: abating pollution

TX Aria® is the specific binder for paints, mortars and renderings, plasters, concretefor photoactive building elements, capable of abating the noxious substancesproduced by human activities, factories, cars and residential heating systems.

TX Aria® can be applied in horizontal structures, such as

• Concrete floors,

• Interlocking paving stones pavements,

• Cement-based pavements and road surfacing,

• Cementitious roofing tiles,

• Paints for roadway signs,

• Concrete roof tiles.

in vertical structures

• Renderings and plasters,

• Cement-based paints,

• Precast panels,

• Noise and safety concrete barriers for roads and highways.

and in tunnels, to improve ambient air quality and enhance safety

• Cementitious paints

• Concrete panels

• Concrete roads

TX Aria® is the first active way to fight the accumulation of smog responsiblesubstances.

TX ARCA® - the Architectural Line: preserving aesthetics

In Europe, TX Arca® is the cement complying with the EN standard 197-1requirements specific for the realization of prestigious architectural works.

The aesthetic characteristics of concrete, either precast or on site, are enhancedand preserved over time.

The decomposition of the micro-organisms responsible for staining the buildingfaçades, which growth is promoted by the accumulation of grease, dust and rain,allows to keep the surfaces always clean and to maintain the distinguishingbrilliance, typical of the TX Active® cements range, unaltered.

TX Arca® cement was developed in 1996 to meet the strict specifications set byRichard Meier for the construction of the Dives in Misericordia Church in Rome:white purity, brilliance and preservation of the aesthetic qualities over time.

Since then, TX Arca® cement has been representing the main cement forprestigious architectural works; for which both the material quality and the style areequally important and meaningful. The white concretes produced with TX Arca®

possess the same physico-mechanical performance as the traditional concretes.

In addition, they offer an extraordinary brilliance and the ability of preserving theircolor, ensuring their original beauty over time.

THE TX ACTIVE® RANGE


CUSTOMER TOOLS

The quantification of the effectiveness of the TX Active® depolluting action is a fundamentalelement for designers.Differently from a laboratory, where every condition is controlled, in an “open” site, like acity, many factors count on the capability of TX Active® to reduce pollutants: i.e. type andextension of the treated surfaces (road and/or walls), air humidity, wind speed and direction,buildings location, traffic quality and intensity, etc.On the grounds of the PICADA Project experimental research and, in particular, of themathematical model used to evaluate the depolluting effectiveness, Italcementi Group hasdeveloped EXP’AIR , a software application that is able to measure and simulate the benefitsof TX Active® in terms of reduction of pollutants such as NOX within the treatment of verticaland horizontal structures of an urban context.

Picada project: the street canyon

The “Street Canyon” pilot site has been built in France in an area next to the Group TechnicalCenter’s labs (CTG) in Guerville, France. The experiment is the result of a European researchproject, namely the PICADA Project (Photocatalytic Innovative Coverings Applications for De-pollution Assessment), to which European research institutions and private companies consortia- among which Italcementi has been active since some time with studies, patents andapplications - have been collaborating.The methodology consists in testing the effectiveness of photocatalytic properties on a model(scale 1:5) reproducing the environmental conditions of a street located between two buildingsin a generic urban context. Two lanes have been reproduced, each lane being about 18-mlong, 2.5-m wide and 5-m high. Both lanes had their walls plastered: one with TX Aria®

cement-based plaster and the other one with a traditional cementitious binder-based plaster.

Site Description: to simulate the polluting conditions generated by urban traffic, aperforated pipe, from which exhaust gases were being discharged, was laid along theentire length of the sidewalls. The exhaust gases were being produced by an engineconnected to the pipe and left on for 7 hours.

Monitoring: weather sensors were placed at different heights (3 and 5 m) and atregular intervals along the entire length of the canyon to measure humidity,temperature, and solar radiation. Anemometers were also installed to measure windspeed and direction.In addition, NOX and VOC analyzers were installed at both upper and side ends. Exhaustgases have been monitored too, by measuring their speed, temperature and composition.

Pollution distributionas a result of the jointwind/traffic action

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Micro-meteorologicalreadings

Characterizationof the source

of pollution, flowand composition

of the gas

VOC reading

NOX reading

VOC sampler

Perforated pipe

Pollution generator

CUSTOMER TOOLS


The mathematical model: a three-dimensional calculation model was used to reproduce airand particulate matter flows under different conditions hypothesis. Through a numericsimulation the polluting agents dispersion was reproduced analytically, by taking into accountboth the surfaces inclination with respect to the air flows and the effect of solar radiation.

The results: the results were very interesting. Thedepolluting action of the walls plastered with TX isrelated to many variables depending on the pollutantconcentration, meteorological parameters (temperature,relative humidity) quantification and solar radiation.The NOX concentration varies noticeably between thetwo canyons. It was possible to calculate thephotocatalytic effect depending on the wind directionon the surfaces.The pollution abatement depends on wind direction andcan reach 80%.

EXP’AIR

Easy to use, by selecting from the type of Configuration of the project: i.e road type (canyontype, tunnel, etc.), wind direction, traffic conditions (200 vehicles per hour, etc.) and surfacesto be designed with TX ARIA® (walls, façades, boardwalks, roads, etc.), it is possible tovisualize the environmental situation before and after the action of TX ARIA® and thereforeto measure the respective pollution reduction.

In addition to the environmental modeling and in order to ensure the right dosage for themaximum benefits from the TX ARIA® application, the software is supported by Italcementihighly qualified technical assistance, and periodically implemented with new data, obtainedwith in-situ monitoring campaigns.

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Model of atmospheric depollution in urban situation with TX ARIA®

CUSTOMER TOOLS


CASE HISTORIES WITH MONITORING RESULTS

The first use of a photocatalytic cement dates back to the second half of the nineties whenthe roman church Dives in Misericordia was built to celebrate the Millennium Jubilee. At thattime, the focus was to achieve of a perfect white surface that could remain clean in time,but the success of that impressive opera boosted the research of new applications and, inparticular, of the de-polluting field.A milestone of TX Active® history is the Segrate Road Full Scale Test, in 2003: a heavy trafficroad was treated with a thin coating just to have the possibility to measure the effectivenessof TX Active® in real on-site conditions. An astonishing NOX fall of about 50% was the finalproof that the era of testing was over and that the product was ready to be marketed.From then on, many significant projects have been realized; herewith you can find some ofthose ones where NOX measurements have been taken before and after treatment.

Borgo Palazzo street – Bergamo, Italy

The project involved the requalification of about 500 m of Borgo Palazzo street in Bergamo,accounting for an active surface area of about 7,000 m2 with grey paving stones for the roadand red ones for the sidewalks.

Monitoring Campaigns

Two environmental monitoring campaigns, lasting two weeks each, the first one duringNovember 2006 and the second one during January 2007, have been carried out to monitorthe pollution level and compared to the asphalt reference along the same street. Test resultsshowed a pollution decrease between 30% and 40%. If we consider 500 mt. long street,with a traffic of 400 cars/hour, with TX ARIA® products along both sides, the benefits fromthe pollution decrease are comparable to a traffic reduction of 150 cars/hour. In other words,the smog produced by one car out of three gets neutralized by the depolluting action of TXARIA®.In the following table you can see the NOX average concentration value recorded for 5 daysalong the road with a photocatalytic pavement. These values are compared to the onesrecorded along the same road but with an asphalt pavement.

Height from concentration in the concentration in the % difference betweenthe ground photocatalytic pavement asphalt pavement the two monitoring point

(reference)

NOX NO NOX NO NOX NO

30 cm 250 ppb 194 ppb 336 ppb 270 ppb 30 % 33 %

180 cm 260 ppb 201 ppb 316 ppb 248 ppb 20 % 20 %

An interesting test has been recently carried out to assess the medium-term performances ofinstalled paving blocks, in Borgo Palazzo Street.

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CASE HISTORIES


Some blocks were removed from the street and from thewalkways, to test them using a non-destructingmethodology derived from the standardized NOXmethod, already described.The aware that this test numerical results cannot becompared to the ones from the standard methods interms of the polluting effectiveness.The blocks were firstly tested "as is" (dusty block,installed) then after a cycle of washing, cleaning anddrying where finally compared with similar blocksavailable in the warehouse.The graph here below shows that the clocks afterwashing, cleaning and drying regained their originaldepolluting characteristics.The presence of dirt (like greasy substances etc.) mightslightly reduce the active surface of the blocks, That iswhy it is strongly recommended a regular program forroad cleaning in order to maintain good depollutingeffectiveness for this type of applications.

Umberto I Tunnel – Rome, Italy

Located in the centre of Rome, the Umberto I Tunnel is one of the most brilliant conceivedprojects to ease Roman road traffic. It has been built at the beginning of XX century toconnect Tritone street to Nazionale avenue under the Quirinale Palace (that is the officialresidence of the President of the Italian Republic), creating a direct route between Piazza diSpagna and Nazionale avenue. By doing so, traffic circulation between the Flaminio districtand the Esquilino one has been greatly improved, resulting in a smoother traffic flow fromTermini Railway Station to Rome historic center.

Depollutingeffectiveness for roadpaving blocks, indifferent cleanlinessconditions

Entrance fromNazionale Avenue

Entrance from TritoneStreet

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CASE HISTORIES

Quirinale Palace

Quirinale Gardens


Tunnel beforerenovation

The Tunnel, of about 348 m length, 17 m width and 9 m height, was in bad conditions as farsafety standards in terms of both illumination and electrical systems and vaults maintenance,as shown by the following picture taken before the requalification works.

Accordingly, during August 2007, the Tunnel went under a one month restoration, duringwhich its 9,000 m2 vault has been covered with a TX ARIA® based cementitious paint, and aspecific lighting system has been installed to enhance the TX Aria® depolluting benefits andincrease road safety.

Monitoring Campaigns

Before and after the Tunnel renovation, there have been monitoring campaign to measurethe pollution level in both conditions.

In particular, two monitoring campaigns were carried out before and after the renovationwork of the tunnel for a significant period of time (three weeks for each period), in order tocollect an adequate quantity of data collected for the numerical and statistical evaluation.

The following data were collected:

- NOX values (NO, NO2 and NOX);

- Weather conditions (Temperature, Relative Humidity, Atmospheric Pressure and Wind Speed)and sometimes, light conditions inside and outside the Tunnel (UVA, UVB, RAD, Lux);

- Traffic situation, vehicles/hour.

Tunnel after renovation

Combined lamp (UV + visible light)

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CASE HISTORIES


In the tunnel, the main parameters to be considered for the variation of polluting level aretraffic volumes and wind speed. Other weather conditions are to be considered less critical.

Besides, according to the adopted approach, light irradiation can be considered constantalong the two monitoring periods.

Considering the absolute values numerically calculated, a reduction of NOX over 20% wasdetermined. In particular, in the centre of the tunnel after the renovation works, it wascalculated:

- a 25% reduction of NO values;

- a 23% reduction of NOX values;

- a 19% reduction of NO2 values.

However, since the second campaign (September-October 2007) the pollution values registeredin the city of Rome are higher than the corresponding values in July 2007 (according to theARPA agency), we have calculated that the real depolluting effect induced by the system(paint + lighting system) is higher than the above mentioned values (20-25%).

In this sense, according to the statistical approach applied to the data evaluation, thereduction of pollution level in the centre of the tunnel results to be higher than 50%(calculated abatements range from 51% until 64%).

Furthermore, another relevant effect derived from thephotocatalytic degradation of polluting gases is thereduction of pollution peaks (individual values) observedfor all NOX gases (NO and NO2), also confirmed by thestatistical calculation of the variance for data population.

The photocatalytic treatment of the vault is really effectiveand enables reduce the pollution level up to nearlyoutdoor conditions, for the city of Rome.

During the two NOX monitoring periods some environmentalanalysis were also carried out in the tunnel centre withreference to the total particulate matter (PM total).As to these analysis, an automatic sampling portableequipment was used for a sampling of the totalparticulate, by collecting on a filter the powders dispersedin the tunnel, before and after the renovation work.

NOX values in the centre

of the tunnel, 1m

In addition, in order to make a comparison among different calculated mean values of NOXin different positions of the Tunnel, the official data from ARPA Lazio (that is the OfficialEnvironmental Protection Agency in Rome) of the area around the Tunnel, were also processed.

22

CASE HISTORIES


The sampling analysis were carried out for about 10 hours per day. Collected powders wereanalysed in order to quantify the presence of TiO2, as a percentage of the total amount ofpowder.

The results demonstrated that there aren’t any relevant differences between the two periods,in terms of TiO2 content. These percentages were also found in a similar sampling recentlycarried out in another monitoring campaign in Via Borgo Palazzo, Bergamo (Italy).

Jean Bleuzen street – Vanves, France

Next to the Paris area highway, Jean Bleuzenstreet has been included in the Road NetworkRequalification Plan of Vanves.

Jean Bleuzen street is a “Canyon Street” in aNorth-South position with a good exposure tothe sun and perpendicular to the main winds,with more than 13,000 cars per day.

The requalification project consisted in 300meter of TX ARIA® concrete overlay over atraditional concrete substrate, with sidewalksand curbs in paving stones made with TX ARIA®

as well, for a total of 6,000 m2 of depollutingsurface.

The immediate result was an improved aesthetic landscape and noise reduction, thanks to asuitable concrete formulation and surface finishing (i.e. exposed aggregates), together with apollution decrease of at least 20%, that is going to be monitored for a year to assess thecontribution of photocatalytic cement on air and rainwater quality.

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CASE HISTORIES


Dives in Misericordia Church - Rome, Italy

The Dives in Misericordia Church has been consecrated in the Roman neighborhoods of TorTre Teste, and realized by the American architect Richard Meier, winner of an internationalcompetition promoted by the Vicariate of Rome.

In an area characterized by working-class buildings, lacking in focal points and areasdedicated to the community social relations, the church stands out with its high sails (thetallest one is 26m high) and its absolute white surfaces.

In order to avoid the use of a steel framework covered with white panels - a not durablesolution over time - the self-bearing sails have been subdivided into large, double curvatureprecast ashlars (blocks), weighing 12 tons each.

To meet the aesthetic requirements (and not only) demanded by Richard Meier, it was usedTX Arca®, that ensures an unparalleled and time-enduring white color.

Color Monitoring

Currently, for the quantitative evaluation of the surface color,a CIELAB colorimetric system is used, determining the followingchromatic components:

• a* - red/magenta and green component

• b* - blue and yellow component

• L* - black/white component (Luminance/Lightness )

For the three sails, measurements have been carried out on both external and internalsurfaces of the panels chosen (30 panels, corresponding to about 9% of the total).

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CASE HISTORIES

NorthernWallSail 1

Sail 2

Sail 3


Measurements Mapping

• The maintenance of primary colour of white concrete elements is confirmed, after morethan 7 years of service life (see graph – Lightness).

• Last measurements referred to the northern wall (2007) shows the same values obtained inoccasion of the monitoring carried out during the panels production for the churchconstruction (2002).

• b* value variations are due to the presence of inorganic substances on the surface; indeed,a chemical analysis confirmed that the most likely reason for this effect is due to possibledeposit of African sand carried by the sirocco wind (typical phenomenon in Roma area).

Indeed, if a water washing is applied to the surface of the panels, the original colour iscompletely recovered, due to the sand removal.

• This phenomenon is not registered on the northern wall, which was built using the sameconcrete since it is protected from the sirocco wind.

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CASE HISTORIES


La Cité de la Musique et des Beaux-Arts - Chambéry, France

Located in a residential area, it is composed of two buildings which structure is made ofprecast elements with the function of load bearing exposed façade framework. It is the cityreference cultural center in Chambéry.

Color Monitoring

For this project 191 points, distributed among the four cardinal points and between the twobuildings as well as at different heights (i.e. ground floor and first floor) have been monitoredover time, by using the same CIELAB colorimetric system as in the previous project, Dives inMisericordia church in Rome.

After approximately 5 years of monitoring, results in Chambery are excellent. The valuesregistered for the two buildings remain constant, even in different positions of the façades(West/North/East/South) and the L* and b* values are typical, for light grey slag concrete.

Over the years, for both projects, the maintenance of primary color of concrete elements hasbeen confirmed by a very simple monitoring approach that at the same time has been veryeffective in verifying the aesthetic benefits of the TX ARCA® products.

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CASE HISTORIES


Air France HeadquartersRoissy Charles de Gaulle International Airport

Architects: Denis Vallode and Jean PistreCustomer: Air FranceYear: 2006

The building, located inside the Parisian Roissy-Charles deGaulle International Airport, hosts the prestigiousheadquarters of Air France, the French flag carrier.For this building, being in an area characterized by highconcentrations of hydrocarbons produced by thecontinuous aircraft transit, a rough finishing was chosenand treated with TX Active®. This was wanted to ensure thehomogeneity of the façades color over time.

Hotel de Police - Bordeaux, France

Architect: Claude Marty (LacroutsMassicaults SA Architects)Customer: The French MInistry of InteriorYear: 2003

Located downtown, the building isexposed to the action of the organicpollutants typical of these urban areas.Just to hinder these attacks to thebuilding aesthetic quality, architectClaude Marty chose to use the TXActive® cement to manufacture thefaçades white, with smoothly finishedprecast concrete cladding panels.The double-layered panels containing white marble aggregates from Pirenei Mountains havebeen polished to a glossy finishing to enhance further the typical luminosity of TX products.In total, 750 panels, of which 700 are white in color, cover a surface area of 5,400 m2 ofarchitectural precast concrete.

The Commodore - Ostend, Belgium

Architect: Luc Declercq - E & L projectsCustomer: Municipality of OstendYear: 2005

CCB, the Belgian subsidiary of ItalcementiGroup, chose as first application ofphotocatalytic cement in Belgium aprestigious project: the Commodore, acomplex apartment building in Ostendand designed by architect Luc Declercq incollaboration with the E&L Projects firm.The façades of the first six floors havebeen made of white polished concrete.

The building, located by the sea, is highly exposed to organic pollutants that becomeparticularly aggressive in humid areas. In this case, too, the TX Active® action will ensure thebuilding aesthetic appearance will be maintained.

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WORLWIDE REFERENCES

WORLDWIDE REFERENCES


Ciments du Maroc’s Headquarters - Casablanca, Morocco

Architect: Rachid AndaloussiCustomer: Ciments du Maroc*Year: 2005

The building hosts the headquarters ofCiments du Maroc, Italcementi GroupMoroccan Subsidiary. The roundstructure of the building, that recallsthe Group’s spiral logo, has been madewith traditional concrete covered witha TX Active® based white mineralcoating. Even more at these latitudes,the sun represents the main ally in thefight against organic pollution.

The Yoga Studio - Clarke County, Virginia, USA

Jim Burton, AIACarter + Burton ArchitectureBerryville, Virginia

The clients’ and architect’scommitment to sustainability throughthe combined use of TX Active® andother green technologies earned theventure a LEED Gold certification whenit was completed in 2007. As part ofthe LEED for Homes pilot program,Southface Energy Institute was theLEED provider for the project.

Towering oaks enhanced the property where Paul and Annie Mahon chose to build TheYoga Studio. But seasonal bombardments of staining acorns and atmospheric compoundsfrom a busy grilling area threatened to mottle the pristine concrete surfaces of architect JimBurton’s vision for this haven of natural healing. The solution: the use of the TX Active®

photocatalytic cement. Burton specified TX Active® for the structure’s exterior concrete wallsand grill area (shown here). With self-cleaning capabilities activated by sunlight, the choiceproved to be a natural for building in woodsy environments. It also distinguished Burton asthe first architect to use photocatalytic cement on this side of the Atlantic.(TX Active® has performed successfully in notable European architecture for over a decade.)

“Once winter came and the leaves felloff the trees, sunlight was able to reachthe concrete and the acorn stains wereremoved. This new technology keeps allthe concrete areas looking fresh.”

For more information on all completed projects, please contact us at the following e-mail:[email protected]

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WORLWIDE REFERENCES


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) What is TX Active®?It is the active principle, with photocatalytic properties, developed by Italcementi. The productscontaining TX Active® are able to break down air noxious organic and inorganic pollutants andto preserve the aesthetic quality of the finished products over time. TX Active is anenvironmental friendly certified product for mortars and plasters, paints, precast elements andpavements.TX Active®, with its self-cleaning and depolluting properties, is the seal of quality forphotoactive cementitious products.

2) What does Italcementi’s TX Active® product line consist of?TX Aria® - Linea Ambiente (Environment Line), with its depolluting effect, is the specific binderfor paints, mortars and “rasanti” (leveling compounds), plasters & coatings, and concrete forphotoactive building elements. TX Aria® can effectively abate the airborne harmful pollutantsthat are produced by human activities (industry, transport and residential heating units). TXAria® can be used for both horizontal and vertical structures as well as tunnels, where airquality and safety conditions are eventually improved.TX Arca® - Linea Architettura (Architectural Line), with its self-cleaning effect, is the cementcomplying with the requirements set forth in European Standard EN 197/1 and is specificallydesigned for building prestigious architectural works.The aesthetic qualities of the final concrete elements, regardless of whether they areprefabricated or cast on site, are enhanced and preserved for years. TX Arca® cement is thecement for striking, high-end architectural works, in which quality of the construction materialused and final appearance are equally important and significant. Concrete made with TX Arca®

cement has the same physical & mechanical properties as traditional concrete. On top of that,it offers a self-cleaning benefit and extraordinary brilliance so that original beauty is retainedfor years.

3) What have the main applications been so far?Among the main applications of photocatalytic materials produced by TX Active® let us recall:

– The self-locking block pavement laid in Borgo Palazzo Street, Bergamo. Tests results showeda pollution decrease between 30% and 40%.

– The self-locking block pavement laid in Settemetri Street, Rome;

– The self-locking block pavement laid at the Cardinal Lambruschini School in Rome;

– The self-locking block pavement laid at the Maharishi Sathyananda Yoga Academy in Brescia;

– The self-locking block pavement laid at the Montichiarello Sports Center in Montichiari (Brescia);

– Indoor painting of the gym facility at the Scuola Media Statale, Ribolle Street, in Forlì.

– Reconstruction of a concrete footbridge by Mazzano (Brescia)

– Renovation of Umberto I tunnel in Rome

– Renovation of Jean Bleuzen Street – Vanves

– Sound-Proof walls, Paris, porte des Lilas

4) What are the main architectural projects carried out with TX Arca®?There are many outstanding architectural works, the beauty of which is preserved thanks tothe self-cleaning effect of TX Active®: the Dives in Misericordia church in Rome, the newheadquarters of Air France at Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris, the Cité de la Musique et desBeaux-Arts in Chambéry, the Hôtel de Police in Bordeaux, the Saint John’s Court MontecarloBay residence in the Principality of Monaco. Centre d’art dramatique de Montreuil, multimedialibrary de Saint Ouen (France).

5) Where are TX Active® products marketed?The TX Active® range of products is already being marketed in Italy, France, Belgium, Spain,United States and Canada. In the next months, it will be officially presented Morocco andsubsequently in Greece.

29

FAQs


6) Where are Italcementi TX Active® cements produced?The first cement from the TX range was manufactured in Italy at the Rezzato cement plant(province of Brescia). Currently, there are two plants: once in the subsidiary Soclì in Izaourt, France,in the High Pyrenees region, and the recent one in Calusco, Italy between Bergamo and Milan.

7) What is the current production of Italcementi TX Active® cement?TX Active®, due to its innovative characteristics, requires more time to be established,particularly considering a conservative sector such as the building industry. Since the productlaunch, in Italy more than 400.000 m2 of photocatalytic surfaces have been produced,equivalent to 56 football fields.

8) How much does it cost to use TX Active®?Talking about the cost of producing structural elements made of photocatalytic cement meanslittle since what reaches the market is the finished product: the paint, the plaster, or themanufactured block. Given that the part which interacts with the atmosphere is only thesurface, the photocatalytic principle is not used in structural applications, but only where it ispossible to maintain limited thicknesses, say from centimeters to a few millimeters. If,therefore, the cost of Italcementi cement containing TX Active® is around 1 Euro/kg, the mostsignificant figure is the cost per square meter of the photocatalytic surface. And so the costincidence is remarkably low as can be seen from a few examples. To transform the façade of a5-storey building into a photocatalytic surface, it is enough to add around 100 Euro to the costof a traditional paint or plaster. Paving in photocatalytic blocks costs on average between 10 -20% more than traditional paving.

9) What has Italcementi discovered?The application of the TX Active® principle to cementitious products enables the use of lightenergy to decompose, through oxidization, the organic and inorganic substances present inthe atmosphere. Therefore, the use of Italcementi cements in the TX range, which contain theTX Active® principle, actively contributes to mitigating air pollution in cities and to keeping thesurface of built elements clean.

10) What is photocatalysis?It is a natural phenomenon whereby a substance, called a photocatalyst, alters the speed of achemical reaction through the action of light. By exploiting the energy of light, photocatalystsinduce the formation of strongly oxidizing reagents which can decompose some organic andinorganic substances present in the atmosphere. Photocatalysis is, therefore, an accelerator foroxidization processes that already exist in nature. Indeed, it promotes faster decomposition ofpollutants and prevents them from accumulating on the surfaces. The worsening of the level ofpollution in urban areas has recently driven research towards the application of the capabilityof removing harmful substances present in the atmosphere. Photocatalysis, therefore, makesan effective contribution to improving air quality.

11) Why does TX Active® need a cement-based support?Cement makes a significant contribution to the TX Active® principle. It enhances its qualitiesfor the very reason that cement has excellent pollutant absorption capacities. Cement is alsothe most commonly used material in the construction industry.

12) What is the contribution of photocatalytic cements to fighting pollution?Structures made or covered with materials containing the TX Active® principle enable thereduction of various pollutants in the atmosphere. Among these are particulate matter,polycondensed aromatic hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and sulfur monoxidewhich in urban settings are mainly emitted from cars and air heating units.

13) What patents are there for TX Active®?Since 1996 Italcementi has filed 12 patents on photocatalysis applied to cementitiousmaterials. The patents concern a photocatalytic hydraulic binder and a series of specificapplications in construction (self-locking blocks, cladding elements in general, plasters &renders, leveling compounds, lime & cement-based paints, concrete pavements).

30

FAQs


14) InvestmentsAbout 5 million Euro have been pledged to the TX Active® research project. Another 5 millionEuro came from the EU within the framework of on-going research and innovation programs.Every year we invest some 25 million Euro in Research, Development and Innovation; indeed, ahuge financial commitment for a sector like ours that, however distinguishes, us from ourcompetitors.

15) What were the main stages in the research?Throughout the research period, various applications for TX Active® were completed, such ashigh-strength photocatalytic white and grey concretes. During the test stage, the ability toreduce pollutants present in the atmosphere was confirmed by the laboratories of Italcementiand of universities and by various research bodies. It was subsequently proven that thedegradation of the organic and inorganic material on the surface of the cement-based elementenables preservation of the appearance of constructions even after prolonged exposure to theexternal environment, thus preserving the initial conditions in terms of brightness.16) Does photocatalysis always work: what about indoor spaces? Or when it rains?Photocatalysis is also possible for indoor structures treated with photocatalytic TX Active®

cementitious materials, provided that diffuse solar radiation or artificial light is present. Alsowhen it rains a TX Active® product maintains its photocatalytic effect.

17) Can the principle be used up?The mechanical durability of TX Active® cement-based applications is the same as that forsimilar applications with standard cements. The photocatalytic principle is not subject toconsumption and therefore cannot be used up.

18) What were the most important experimental applications undertaken?In 2002, a first test on a photocatalytic TX Active® mortar was used to cover the asphaltsurface of a section of Via Morandi in Segrate (province of Milan); a road which is 230m longand 10m wide, and which everyday sees traffic flow of around 1,000 vehicles/hour. Monitoringproved a reduction in nitrogen oxides on this urban road of around 60%.In 2003, TX Active® self-locking blocks were laid over 8,000 m2 on an industrial site in theprovince of Bergamo. The test showed that in the area covered by the TX Active® blocks theconcentration of nitrogen oxides measured was clearly lower than in a comparable area. Thereduction calculated on the basis of the average values recorded is around 45%.

19) What is the Italcementi Group?The Italcementi Group is one of the largest cement producers in the world and the biggest inthe Mediterranean area. With 2006 annual sales amounting to about 5,854 million Euro,Italcementi Group’s companies combine the expertise, know-how and cultures of 19 countries.With a staff of over 22,850, the Group boasts a production capacity of around 70 million tonsof cement.During 2005, within the expansion program in the Mediterranean rim, the Group has furtheredestablished its presence in Egypt, becoming the Country market leader.In 2006, in India the total control of its Subsidiary has been acquired and in Kazakhastan anagreement for new important developments has been signed. In June 2007, the Group hasentered the Chinese market.

20) What is the CTG?The CTG - Centro Tecnico di Gruppo (Italcementi Group Technical Center) - is one of the mostimportant cement research centers in Europe. The CTG is located in Bergamo (Italy) and has asecondary base in Guerville, France, and numbers 400 employees, of whom 60 are researchers.

21) Where can I find more information?On the Italcementi website – www.italcementigroup.com – there is a section entirely dedicatedto TX Active®, the range of TX products, the main tests, the most recent applications and ourcommercial partners who are authorized to make products bearing the TX Active® brand.

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FAQs


SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Cassar, L., Pepe, C., Pimpinelli, N., Amadelli, R. and Bonato, T., ‘Materiali cementizi e fotocatalisi’,Seminario FAST: Materiali: Ricerca e Prospettive Tecnologiche alle Soglie del 2000, (Milano, 10-14novembre 1997) (in Italian).

• Cassar, L., Pepe, C., Tognon, G., Guerrini, G.L. and Amadelli, R., ‘White cement for architecturalconcrete, possessing photocatalytic properties’, 11th Int. Congr. on the Chemistry of Cement, (Durban/South Africa, 11-16 may 2003), Vol. 4, 2012.

• Cassar, L., ‘Photocatalysis of cementitious materials: Clean buildings and clear air’, MRS Bulletin, May2004, 4 pp.

• Cassar, L., ‘Cementitious materials and photocatalysis’, Betonwerk+Fertigteil-Technik (1) (2005) 10-16.

• Vallee, F., Ruot, B., Bonafous, L., Guillot, L., Pimpinelli, N., Cassar, L. et Al., ‘Cementitious materials forself-cleaning and de-polluting façade surfaces’, RILEM Int. Symp. on Environment-Conscious Materialsand Systems for Sustainable Developments (ECM 2004), (Koriyama, 6-7 september 2004), 345-354.

• Vallee, F., Ruot, B., Bonafous, L., Guillot, L., Pimpinelli, N., Cassar, L. et Al., ‘Innovative self-cleaningand de-polluting façade surface’, CIB 2004 World Building Congress (Toronto, 2-7 may 2004).

• Maggios, Th., Plassais, A., Bartzis, J.G., Vasilakos, Ch., Moussiopoulos, N. and Bonafous, L., ‘Photocatalyticdegradation of NOX in a pilot street canyon configuration using TiO2-mortar panels’, 5th Int. Conf. onUrban Air Quality, (Valencia/Spain, 29-31 March 2005).

• Moussiopoulos, N., Ossanlis, I., Barmpas, P. and Bartzis, J., ‘Comparison of numerical and experimentalresults for the evaluation of the depollution effectiveness of photocatalytic coverings in street canyons’,5th Int. Conf. on Urban Air Quality, (Valencia/Spain, March 29-31, 2005).

• Strini, A., Cassese, S. and Schiavi, L., ‘Measurement of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and o-xylene gasphase photodegradation by titanium dioxide dispersed in cementitious materials using a mixed flowreactor’, Applied Catalysis b 61 (2005) 90-97.

• Plassais, A. and Guillot, L., ‘De-polluting activity assessment of photocatalytic cement-based materials:from laboratory to real scale testing’, 10th int. Symp. on Concrete Roads (Brussels / Belgium, 18-22September 2006), 13 pp.

• Guerrini, G.L. and Guillot, L., ‘Realizzazioni di edifici con utilizzo di cementi fotocatalitici’, 16° CongressoCTE, Parma (Italy), Vol. 2 (2006), 941-950 (in Italian).

• Plassais, A., Rousseau, F., Eriksson, E. and Guillot L., ‘Photocatalytic coverings assessment: from canyonstreet measurements to 3-D modeling’, in: “Photocatalysis, Environment and Construction Materials –TDP 2007”, Proceedings of Int. RILEM Symposium on Photocatalysis ‘Environment and ConstructionMaterials’, (Florence/Italy, 8-9 October 2007), RILEM PRO 55, P. Baglioni and L. Cassar Eds, 85-92.

• Pieraccini, G., Dani, F.R., Turbanti, L., Boscaro, F., Pepe, C., Moneti, G., ‘A SPME-GC-MS method forthe evaluation of dropping capacity of organic pollutants by TiO2 added plasters used in buildingindustry’, in: “Photocatalysis, Environment and Construction Materials – TDP 2007 “, Proceedings ofInt. RILEM Symposium on Photocatalysis ‘Environment and Construction Materials’, (Florence/Italy, 8-9 October 2007), RILEM PRO 55, P. Baglioni and L. Cassar Eds, 93-100.

• Cassar, L., Beeldens, A., Pimpinelli, N. and Guerrini, G.L., ‘Photocatalysis of cementitious materials’, in:“Photocatalysis, Environment and Construction Materials – TDP 2007 “, Proceedings of Int. RILEMSymposium on Photocatalysis ‘Environment and Construction Materials’, (Florence/Italy, 8-9 October2007), RILEM PRO 55, P. Baglioni and L. Cassar Eds, 131-147.

• Guerrini, G.L. and Peccati, E., ‘Photocatalytic cementitious roads for de-pollution’, in: “Photocatalysis,Environment and Construction Materials – TDP 2007”, Proceedings of Int. RILEM Symposium onPhotocatalysis ‘Environment and Construction Materials’, (Florence/Italy, 8-9 October 2007), RILEMPRO 55, P. Baglioni and L. Cassar Eds, 179-186.

• Guerrini, G.L., Plassais, A., Pepe, C. and Cassar L., ‘Use of photocatalytic cementitious materials forself-cleaning applications’, in: “Photocatalysis, Environment and Construction Materials – TDP 2007”,Proceedings of Int. RILEM Symposium on Photocatalysis ‘Environment and Construction Materials’,(Florence/Italy, 8-9 October 2007), RILEM PRO 55, P. Baglioni and L. Cassar Eds, 219-226.

• Campanella, L., Borzetti, F., Cassar, L., ‘Photocatalytic cement: a new approach to environmentalprotection’, in: “Photocatalysis, Environment and Construction Materials – TDP 2007”, Proceedings ofInt. RILEM Symposium on Photocatalysis ‘Environment and Construction Materials’, (Florence/Italy, 8-9 October 2007), RILEM PRO 55, P. Baglioni and L. Cassar Eds, 203-210.

• Della Bella, M., Guerrini, G.L., ‘Production technology, applications and new development of GRCfacade elements’, Concrete Precast International, 2, 2008, 166-173.

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Italcementi Italcementi Group - fotocatalisis · 2020-07-08 · TX Active® by Italcementi - TECHNICAL REPORT PREFACE Photochemistry plays a role of primary importance in both biological