Diamanti M.V., Del Curto B., Ormellese M., Pedeferri MP.
Politecnico di Milano, IT
Keywords: anatase, interference colour, photoactivity
Anodising processes can lead to the formation of oxides showing a wide range of interference colours with different hues and saturations depending on process parameters. The control of morphology, structure and homogeneity of the oxide layer determines the properties of the product, from its aesthetic qualities to the resistance to either atmospheric or indoor exposure, to the possibility of developing new characteristics. In fact, the obtaining of a semicrystalline oxide, specially in the allotropic form of anatase, is of great importance to confer to the surface photoactivated properties such as superhydrophilicity and ptohocatalytic activity. These oxides can still present interference colour, and therefore combine both aesthetic and functional interest. In the work presented it emerges that the use of anodised titanium, which is already known either for indoor applications or as building coating and decoration, can add to the aesthetical side granted by its fascinating colours a more practical purpose conferred by the self-cleaning properties, which involve lower maintenance efforts for indoor and outdoor cleansing of the surfaces.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: Technical Proceedings of the 2008 Clean Technology Conference and Trade Show
Published: June 1, 2008
Pages: 170 - 173
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Energy & Sustainability
Topics: Materials for Sustainable Building, Sustainable Materials
ISBN: 1-4200-8502-0