Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanical Properties of Cement Slurries Containing Titanium Dioxide
Abstract
:1. Introduction
2. Context and Scope of This Study
3. Materials and Methods
3.1. Materials
3.2. Cement Slurry Proportions
3.3. Testing Procedures
3.3.1. Flowability and Density
3.3.2. Colorimetry
3.3.3. Flexural and Compressive Strengths
3.3.4. Bond Strength
3.3.5. Water Absorption
3.3.6. UV Reactor and NOx Measurements
4. Results and Discussion
4.1. Effect on Flow and Density
4.2. Effect on Color Characteristics of the Hardened Slurry
4.3. Effect on Mechanical Properties
4.4. Effect on Water Absorption
4.5. Effect on NOx Removal
5. Conclusions
- The flow is marginally affected when up to 4% TiO2 is added to the cement slurry, which thereafter gradually curtailed at higher rates. This was attributed to the fine TiO2 particles that are believed to increase the inter-particle links within the suspension.
- The Δ(E) values gradually increased with the TiO2 additions, reflecting their beneficial effects on magnifying the white color of the hardened material. This aesthetically can be attractive in urban cities, besides the associated benefits on maintaining better air quality.
- The mechanical properties improved with the TiO2 additions due to two concurrent phenomena including the micro-filler effect and formation of nucleation sites that promote the cement hydration reactions. The improvement in strength was particularly noticed in the flexural and pull-off bond strengths.
- The incorporation of TiO2 reduced the tendency towards water absorption, which is consistent with the improvement in the mechanical properties. The reduced rate of water absorption can be relevant to protect the external facades and surfaces for moisture-related problems.
- The NOx concentration at the reactor outlet dropped from 20 ppm for the control mix to 12 and 2 ppm with the incorporation of 2.5% and 5% TiO2, respectively, reflecting the efficiency of TiO2 additions. Nevertheless, the increase in TiO2 to 10% appears to reduce the photocatalytic efficiency due to a densification process of the slurry microstructure.
- The NOx removal is marginally affected by the dispersion time used for preparing the TiO2-modified slurry mixture, and also by the thickness of the slurry that is applied on the substrate surface. This can be economically advantageous in new construction or renovation applications.
- The cement slurry containing 5% TiO2, mixed for 2 min, and applied at a 1 mm thickness exhibited the highest photocatalytic efficiency. This can be recommended for cement slurries used in the construction industry, either in new structures or for the renovation of existing facades.
Author Contributions
Funding
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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TiO2, % | Flow, mm | Density (Fresh), kg/m3 | Density (Hardened), kg/m3 | f’c, MPa | fr, MPa | Pull-Off Bond, MPa | Wabs, mm/min0.5 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 220 | 1950 | 1920 | 46.2 | 7.4 | 2.35 | 0.414 |
2 | 220 | 1975 | 1935 | 47.3 | 7.8 | 2.41 | 0.374 |
4 | 215 | 1970 | 1960 | 49 | 8.8 | 3.02 | 0.311 |
6 | 195 | 1990 | 2005 | 54.3 | 9.9 | 3.5 | 0.247 |
8 | 180 | 2005 | 2000 | 55.2 | 10.5 | 3.63 | 0.174 |
10 | 165 | 2020 | 2015 | 53.7 | 10.7 | 3.78 | 0.235 |
TiO2 Content, % | L-Value | a-Value | b-Value | Δ(E) |
---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 58.3 | 2.6 | 14.5 | - |
2 | 63.4 | 2.8 | 16.6 | 5.5 |
4 | 68 | 2.5 | 18 | 10.3 |
6 | 73.7 | 2.4 | 21.2 | 16.8 |
8 | 77 | 1.9 | 20.8 | 19.8 |
10 | 78.8 | 2.1 | 22.7 | 22.1 |
TiO2, % of Cement | Mixing time, min | Thickness, mm | NOx after Stabilization, ppm | NOx Removal, % | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.5%TiO2-2 min-1 mm | 2.5 | 2 | 1 | 10.8 | 46.0 |
2.5%TiO2-2 min-3 mm | 2.5 | 2 | 3 | 13.6 | 32.0 |
2.5%TiO2-8 min-1 mm | 2.5 | 8 | 1 | 10.8 | 46.0 |
2.5%TiO2-8 min-3 mm | 2.5 | 8 | 3 | 12.0 | 40.0 |
5%TiO2-2 min-1 mm | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2.1 | 89.5 |
5%TiO2-2 min-3 mm | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 87.5 |
5%TiO2-8 min-1 mm | 5 | 8 | 1 | 1.6 | 92.0 |
5%TiO2-8 min-3 mm | 5 | 8 | 3 | 2.2 | 89.0 |
10%TiO2-2 min-1 mm | 10 | 2 | 1 | 7.2 | 64.0 |
10%TiO2-2 min-3 mm | 10 | 2 | 3 | 8.5 | 57.5 |
10%TiO2-8 min-1 mm | 10 | 8 | 1 | 6.6 | 67.0 |
10%TiO2-8 min-3 mm | 10 | 8 | 3 | 8.1 | 59.5 |
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Jabali, Y.; Assaad, J.; Aouad, G. Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanical Properties of Cement Slurries Containing Titanium Dioxide. Buildings 2023, 13, 1046. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041046
Jabali Y, Assaad J, Aouad G. Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanical Properties of Cement Slurries Containing Titanium Dioxide. Buildings. 2023; 13(4):1046. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041046
Chicago/Turabian StyleJabali, Yasmine, Joseph Assaad, and Georges Aouad. 2023. "Photocatalytic Activity and Mechanical Properties of Cement Slurries Containing Titanium Dioxide" Buildings 13, no. 4: 1046. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13041046