Unique Gas Analyzer Helps Characterize Photoactive Pigments
Researchers in Germany have employed advanced FTIR gas analysis to evaluate the photoactivity of pigments in coatings when subjected to light. The Gasmet PCM (Photochemistry Monitoring System) has been developed by Ansyco GmbH, a Gasmet Group Company, to meet the demands of industries that seek to exploit the beneficial characteristics of photocatalytic materials without affecting other performance criteria. The Fraunhofer Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung (Fraunhofer Society is Europe’s largest application-oriented research organization) for example, has successfully employed the Gasmet PCM to help evaluate potential materials for a wide range of industrial clients. “We can now offer our customers a well-defined, repeatable procedure to characterize photocatalytic activity. Due to the flexibility of the Gasmet PCM, we are also able to respond to specific requests such as the determination of the influence that various unusual substances might have, and of their degradation products,” comments Fraunhofer’s Dr Matthias Wanner.
Titanium dioxide is the most widely used white pigment in the world because of its brightness and very high refractive index; imparting whiteness, brightness, and opacity when incorporated into a plastic product. Typical applications include paints, varnishes, paper, plastics, printing inks, fibres, rubber, cosmetic products and foodstuffs. However, in addition to its physical properties, some forms of titanium dioxide are also photocatalysts under either visible or UV light, which means that they can be used in modern air and water purification techniques employing photo-oxidation of toxic substances such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. This process also produces hydroxyl radicals, which are known to attack airborne pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, and will therefore find application in healthcare scenarios such as hospitals, clinics and care homes.