Photocatalytic products, a great solution to eliminate bacteria and contaminants permanently.
Photocatalytic products constitute an ecological, passive and economic system to eliminate contaminants, dirt and save maintenance and cleaning costs. From Activa Colors we make available to the population and institutions the possibility of using these products to maintain a healthier environment.
We are currently facing a global emergency motivated by the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus). But despite being something really alarming, it is not a unique and isolated event in history with the ability to put us in a critical situation, since previously there have been epidemics such as Avian Flu, SARS, ZIKA, MERS or EBOLA.
Photocatalytic products are completely standard. They are water-based products, and do not contain any toxic compound in their formulation. Anyone can use them in their home exactly like other kinds of products.
These productsts are the best solution to paint in environments sensitive to people’s health, such as hospitals, schools, doctor’s offices, public and office buildings or the home, since in the absence of light they behave like high-quality paints, and in The presence of it (both natural and artificial light) are immediately activated and permanently provide the elimination of all organic and harmful compounds in the environment, viruses, bacerias as well as bad odors.
As a result, the environment is much healthier and helps to prevent the spread of infection.
The photocatalytic process
In nature itself there is a natural process called photocatalysis in which a substance, called a photocatalyst, uses the energy of light to remove harmful and polluting compounds. This process is actually a chemical oxidation reaction derived from the joint action of the photocatalyst, oxygen and light.
Products called photocatalytic incorporate certain catalytic compounds, generally titanium dioxide (TiO2), to take advantage of this feature. By means of this reaction, these products, when activated in the presence of light and coming into contact with the environment, decompose polluting organic and inorganic substances
Substances it removes
Photocatalysis is very effective, and can remove organic substances such as microbes, viruses, fungi and bacteria, and PM2.5, PM5 and PM10 fine particles. It is also capable of removing toxic substances and polluting gases such as Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Sulfur Oxides (SOx), Carbon Monoxide and Formaldehyde, Methanol, Ethanol, Benzene, Toluene, etc.
Natural process
Photocatalysis requires light energy to activate. Natural light, fluorescent, and incandescent light bulbs are, in this order, suitable for activating surfaces.
Black Light (known as UV-A or ultraviolet light) and LEDs that emit in the visible-violet range (385 – 390 nm) are optimal for perfect activation. Even a minimum power (0.01 Watt / m2) of this type of light is capable of removing up to 100% of the biological load from the treated surfaces
The elimination process occurs permanently and from the first moment, as soon as light is received.
Surfaces treated with a photocatalytic product use the energy of light to continuously produce radicals on these surfaces, such as:
Hydroxyl Radicals: also called “detergents” in the atmosphere because they react with most pollutants, decomposing them naturally by oxidation, and acting as the fundamental stage of their elimination. They also play an important role in eliminating some of the greenhouse gases.
Pyroxyl Radicals: As active as ozone, they are the precursors of hydrogen peroxide, one of the most important disinfectants, used for the destruction of bacteria, viruses and fungi in medicine and pharmacy.
Laboratory results
In laboratory tests, up to 100% reduction in ATP measurements is obtained after 40-60 minutes on correctly illuminated surfaces.
Advantages of using photocatalytic products
Firstly, they have the ability to reduce odors, precisely due to the resistance to adherence of particles or organic substances on the application surfaces of these products.
It also reduces to a minimum the presence of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) by destroying the substances they feed on. Photocatalytic surfaces prevent the growth of microorganisms and do not allow the substances they feed on to accumulate. Therefore they are very effective against the aggressions of viruses, bacteria, fungi and microorganisms in general.
The results of this action are supported by the numerous measurements made in buildings and infrastructures and by the results obtained in specialized laboratories.
