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... so that life is preserved.
- preserving the environment
- Focused on the future
- Non-toxic
- Life-promoting
Contact:
MASID
Umwelterhaltende Produkte
Vertriebs-GmbH
Auf der Tannenhöhe
35327 Ulrichstein
Tel.: 49 (0) 66 45-91 88 68
Fax: 49 (0) 66 45-78 04 73
Email:
masid@masid.de
:: Are coatings with a photocatalytic effect suitable for use as indoor air filters?
In principle, it can be stated that in the case of very porous coatings it is possible to use titanium white (titanium dioxide - Ti02) under the influence of sufficient UV light to filter very specific indoor air substances in very small quantities, but only if direct UV irradiation is available and no binding agents have been used.
What should the structure of these paints be?
According to our experience and tests, the prerequisite is that the coatings are produced without using water or water vapour-repellent substances. In addition, they must not contain any concealing or adhesive substances. In the case of binders, the photocatalytically active components of the coating would be enclosed and therefore rendered ineffective. Another prerequisite for the function of such coatings is that the titanium dioxide pigments come into direct contact with the pollutants.
Under these conditions it is possible to use titanium white (titanium dioxide - Ti02) under the influence of sufficient UV light to process very specific indoor air substances, provided that these constituents can be transferred to the titanium dioxide pigments of such coatings for photocatalysis.
Our many years of experience have shown that the Ti02 pigments work best when mixed with pure water. In this way, the titanium white can be applied to the well-prepared substrate so that the pure titanium white remains on the surface after drying.
Which pollutants can be processed?
Under these conditions, essential materials and other substances, such as certain aromatic compounds and odours, but also some components of cigarette smoke (CO, C02) can be processed in small quantities.
When do these coatings become effective?
The basic prerequisite is that sufficient UV radiation is available to ensure the effectiveness of these coatings. The best effects are achieved when the sun's rays hit the binder-free coating directly. Even when the windows are closed, the sun's rays and, therefore the required UV light, are considerably reduced by normal windows.
The sun does not shine at night, it does not shine sufficiently when it is cloudy, and the sun moves so the rays do not always shine on the walls. Dirt on the window pane, curtains or plants on the window sill also prevent direct light. As a result, the coatings no longer have a purifying effect.
In order to achieve lasting good results even on cloudy days and at night, UV lamps would have to be used in order to shine light on the coatings.
What solution does MASID offer?
In order to achieve a permanent indoor air purifying effect, this effect also has to be achieved without harmful UV light. In addition, the paint should not emit its own emissions and the product should not produce any harmful effects, even in the event of fire.
Our product development Masan meets these requirements.
Masan has a mechanical-physical mode of action which processes pollutants through crystallisation and mineralisation.
The effect of the paint is based on a process in which Masan forms crystals, for example, when it comes into contact with microorganisms and volatile substances. During crystallisation, organisms such as mould, bacteria, viruses and algae, as well as gaseous substances such as aromatic compounds, cigarette smoke etc. are included in the crystallisation process and rendered harmless.
Masan is a paint that does not have or develop its own emissions. Even in the event of fire, no toxic vapours are produced due to its composition. Masan is non-combustible.
You can easily observe the specific effect of Masan if you spread the pH-neutral (pH 7) Masan on a slice of bread and leave it to stand until mould appears on the uncoated area. Do this experiment in comparison with a photocatalytically active product that contains no fungicides so that you can see the difference!
Version: September 2006