Study Shows Benefits of Titanium Dioxide on Tile

Anderson, SC, April 23, 2009--Tile Council of North America’s (TCNA) Product Performance Testing Laboratory, in collaboration with the GranitiFiandre Group, StonePeak Ceramics, and Centro Ceramico Bologna, recently completed a research program with photocatalytic tiles produced through an innovative technology developed by GranitiFiandre Group.

According to Jennifer Ariss, a research scientist at TCNA, the effects of titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst are well-established in scientific literature.

“Generally, its use can provide a meaningful reduction in organic and inorganic pollutants, self-cleaning properties through a reduction in water surface tension, and important anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties,” Ariss said.

“Photocatalysis is a simple chemical reaction, requiring only light and water to be activated.”

TCNA’s lab, in cooperation with Centro Ceramico Bologna, conducted research on three fronts: reduction of nitrogen oxides (a major component of urban air pollution); reduction of organic pollutants as measured by the indigo carmine test; and inhibition of bacterial growth.

Tiles treated with a micrometric titanium dioxide layer developed by GranitiFiandre were tested along with control samples provided by GranitiFiandre and TCNA.

A 70% reduction of nitrogen oxides was observed. In evaluations of`antimicrobial properties using the photocatalytic GranitiFiandre tiles, up to a 60% reduction of E. coli bacteria was observed compared to traditional porcelain surfaces. A 30% reduction on average of organic pollutants was observed in indigo carmine testing.

While titanium dioxide photocatalytic technology is employed in many industries, the methods of its application are often nanotechnology-based, which can pose considerable environmental and health hazards in the manufacturing process.

According to GranitiFiandre, its novel technology using a micrometric application minimizes problems associated with previous application techniques for photocatalytic materials and increases the effect of the surface layer.

“Our lab is very pleased to present promising results from our testing of this new technology invented by GranitiFiandre. The potential benefits of photocatalytic tile products include improved air quality, cleanability and sanitation,” commented TCNA Executive Director Eric Astrachan.