Photocatalytic coated hygienic wall protection materials.

The goal of this POC project is to evaluate and improve the photocatalytic properties of hygienic wall protection materials. The photocatalytic activity relates to four specific properties: (1) the self-cleaning character ('anti-fouling'), (2) air purifying character, (3) antibacterial properties, and (4) color resistance. In order to test and compare various photocatalytic modification strategies, four (ISO) standardized testing procedures will be installed and benchmark experiments on the existing materials will be performed. Next, three different modification strategies will be applied, of which one is based on an existing patented coating protocol developed at DuEL, and two others are completely novel strategies. The modification is considered successful if it results in a firmly attached coating that does not disrupt the original wall protection material properties. If at least one strategy proves to be promising, the project will be continued in phase 2, during which the modified materials will be characterized in more detail, modified with plasmonic materials and tested after which the valorization campaign will be initiated, driven by the industrial partner's business case. Successful application of the results from this POC project will enable to comply with even stricter safety regulations and introduce the modified products in new market segments related to food, pharmacy and healthcare.

Keywords:SELF-CLEANING, ANTIBACTERIAL, PHOTOCATALYSIS, COATINGS

Disciplines:Photochemistry, Nanomaterials, Heterogeneous catalysis, Functionalisation of materials