FAQ

What is Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™?

Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ is a material obtained using a new methodology applied to porcelain tiles, which exploits the principle of photocatalysis, activated by titanium dioxide (TiO2).

What is photocatalysis?

Photocatalysis is a photochemical reaction, triggered with the help of a catalyst that goes into action when light of an appropriate wavelength shines on it.
The classic photocatalysts are semiconductors, the most active and most commonly used of which is TiO2 and which also include ZnO, SnO2, Fe2O3, CdS, ZnS etc.
Exploiting light energy, photocatalysts bring about the formation of oxidising reagents that break down the organic and inorganic substances that are present in the atmosphere and cause pollution.
Photocatalysis is nothing more than the acceleration of oxidation processes that are already present in nature, and helps to speed up the breakdown of the polluting agents present in the environment and to prevent the build-up and spread of bacteria, carrying out a self-cleaning* action.


*Just for exterior wall coverings

How can pollution be combated using the process of photocatalysis triggered by Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™?

Structures covered with material containing titanium dioxide (TiO2) make it possible to cut down a number of atmospheric pollutants that are harmful to health, such as most PM10s and oxides generated in urban environments by exhaust gases and fumes released by heating systems.

In what way does Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ carry out its self-cleaning activity?

Upon contact with light, titanium dioxide sets in motion a photocatalytic reaction with the water present in the air, which makes the Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ treated surface hyperhydrophilic, i.e. with an extremely strong attraction for water. This creates an invisible layer of water that covers the surface of the material throughout.
The dirt slips off this protective layer, without coming into contact with the Active surface, which thus manifests its self-cleaning* action.


*Only for exterior wall coverings

Does photocatalysis work even indoors or in the rain?

Photocatalytic activity is also possible indoors through contact with artificial light of an appropriate wavelength containing UVA rays, and it also works in the rain.

Does the active principle wear off over time?

Titanium dioxide as an activator of the photocatalytic process is not subject to wear.

Does the aesthetic performance of the product change over time?

The photocatalyst TiO2 is not simply sprayed on the surface; it is thermally treated and adheres effectively and lastingly to the surface of the material.

In addition, after a series of careful checks, the decision was taken to treat only semi-polished surfaces, which remain bright even when heated to high temperatures; this is why light colours are preferred, as the whiteness of the titanium dioxide could alter the darker ones.

How ecological are Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ materials?

Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ materials contain chemical substances that are harmless for humans, and have beneficial effects for the atmosphere and for health.
In addition, thanks to the self-cleaning properties of the product, detergents are less needed, which certainly helps cutting atmospheric pollution.

How has the efficacy of Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ been certified?

Active Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic™ has been tested by the US laboratories of the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) and by the Bologna Ceramic Centre, a University Consortium (Research and test centre for the ceramics industry).

Which substances are destroyed during the photocatalytic oxidation process?

The numerous substances derived from human activity can be found spread throughout the air we breath every day, including all kinds of fumes, smells, ammonia, sulphur dioxide (SO2), benzene (C6H6), formaldehyde (CH2O), ethyl benzene (C8H10), toluene, ethanol, methanol and xylene.


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