MATERIALS

A new and innovative approach to the material science has demonstrated that photocatalytic activity may be conferred to cementitious construction materials such as paints, mortars, concrete, roads etc. This has been confirmed by the results obtained in the generalised use of self–cleaning surfaces which allows buildings to maintain their aesthetic appearance unaltered over time. In parallel, the capability of photocatalysis in cementitious materials to reduce the levels of urban pollution has been proved in laboratory, in the field and in an experimental site properly adjusted (“Canyon Street”). One of the most important element which permitted obtaining such results is the use of nanostructured TiO2 dispersed in the cementitious matrix. Several examples of nanometric TiO2 behaviour in cementitious composition and their activity are shown in the present work