The use of nanotechnologies in construction find a recent example in Trieste. A nanotechnological resina was applied on public housing buildings. This is the first time in Italy. The intervention in question was focused in the form of a waterproof and transparent surface coating capable of eliminating pollutants present in the air, triggering the process of photocalysis, which mimics photosynthesis. The results obtained by the company and proven allow us to estimate that one square meter of surface covered with the product exposed to sunlight is able to reduce NOx gases in a manner comparable to 100 square meters of tree-lined surface.
The intervention was carried out as part of a major renovation which involved energy requalification and seismic improvement interventions of 104 housing units owned by Ater Trieste, in the city and in Muggia.
Photocatalysis to reduce pollutants in the air
Photocatalysis is a technology that facilitates certain processes such as the oxidation of pollutants present in the air. The process is activated in the presence of a photocatalyst, i.e. a substance capable of activating a chemical reaction by absorbing light, in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
To have a photocatalysis process, an activating substance and a light source, natural or artificial, are required. The titanium dioxide it is the most common photocatalyst. When irradiated with UV radiation, coming into contact with oxygen-containing molecules it can, in turn, generate reactive oxidizing agents, capable of transforming polluting organic substances into substances that are not harmful to the environment.
Titanium dioxide, first produced a century ago, and its anti-polluting properties have been known since the 1960s.
The properties of the resin applied in Trieste
In the application case of Trieste, the nanotechnological resin used, NanoGreen Of AmberGreen, an Italian company specialized in the production of resins and coating solutions, has highlighted interesting properties. From the tests evaluating the photocatalytic effectiveness through degradation of nitrogen oxide at the Colorobbia Research Center laboratory, they highlighted a reduction of the NOx gaseous molecule by 40%. These gas molecules represent a part of the pollutants present in the air, caused by the combustion of vehicles and heating.
From what has been reported by the company, in light of the results obtained, it is possible to estimate that one square meter of surface covered with the substance exposed to sunlight is able to reduce NOx gases in a manner comparable to 100 square meters of tree-lined surface.
Furthermore, it highlighted anti bacterial properties. In dedicated tests, carried out according to the specific standard, an effectiveness of over 99.9% in reducing the bacterial load. Not only that: it contains highly oxidizing nanoparticles that give the surface antiviral activity.
Nanotechnologies in construction: what resin looks like
As the last intervention of the extensive renovation, carried out in 9 months with the Superbonus 110 and concluded last December, resin was applied on all the facades of the four buildings. This opportunity linked to the incentive tool allowed the use of this solution.
But what does this resin look like? «It is a colorless, totally transparent liquid, which is completely absorbed by the lime or silicon system that can be used in facades as plaster. In some cases it can be added to the painting”, he explains Alessandro Ballocchi, architect of Areaventi and responsible for the project. He had already experimented with the use of nanotechnologies in construction, on ceramics, carrying out technical tests that highlighted the photocatalytic properties and the rewarding characteristics «especially in terms of very significant decay of fine particles. Once they settle on the surface, they crystallize and precipitate.”
As the company specifies, the sanitizing action occurs both in the presence of light and in the dark, thanks to its non-stick property which prevents the adhesion of bacteria and viruses, in technical terminology a low surface energy coating is created.
What motivated NanoGreen’s choice of AmberGreen was the seriousness with which the company provided technical tests to support the properties of the resin, which acts as a waterproof surface coating that reduces the adhesion of dirt, protects surfaces from bacteria and viruses, eliminates pollutants in the air thanks to the effect of light.
AND water repellent: creates a nanometric coating that avoids creating stagnant wet areas. It is also non-stick, easily cleanable, reducing the need for maintenance.
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