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Keywords

Hydrophobic, Oleophobic, Photocatalysts, Self-cleaning, Construction materials, Durability

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TED2021129705B-C33 Terra-Cycle

Abstract

Versatile coatings were developed to protect mortar surfaces across a broad range of applications, from preserving architectural heritage to modern civil engineering projects. These coatings utilize super-hydrophobic (SPHB) and hydro-oleophobic (OHB) materials, incorporating a nanostructured photocatalyst (Bi2O3-ZnO 8/92). To prevent the aggregation of the nanophotocatalyst, non-ionic dispersants such as Brij35, TritonX-100, and Tween20 were added. The coatings were applied to lime and limecement mortar substrates, and their properties¿such as hydro- and oleo-repellence, photocatalytic activity (through NOx abatement studies), and self-cleaning performance (dye degradation studies)¿were evaluated. Generally, mortars with SPHB coatings exhibited higher photocatalytic activity compared to those with OHB coatings. To simulate real-world conditions, the samples underwent artificial climate aging to assess their durability. Microstructural examination by SEM was addressed to evaluate the alteration degree of the coatings. Their retained effective hydrophobic properties, photocatalytic activity, and self-cleaning performance even after accelerated weathering tests. Future studies aim to apply these coatings to earthen mortars and earthen building materials, in particular by improving the hydrophobicity of the materials.