Self Clean.Ink Fabric
It is a new fabric with photocatalytic properties, based on titanium dioxide; with the capacity to contribute to the decontamination and purification of air, which acts against air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (Nox): nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In addition, it also provides hygienic properties with antibacterial and antimicrobial action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Photocatalysis is a photochemical reaction similar to photosynthesis, which converts solar energy into chemical energy, activating the surface of the photocatalyst material by the action of light radiation (usually ultraviolet, UV). In this way, oxidation and reduction reactions occur throughout the process.
| SELF CLINIC.INK FABRIC | |
| NO degradation (%) | 7,58 |
| NO degradation x (%) | 4,72 |
Decontamination activity
The Textile Technological Institute (AITEX) has analyzed the photocatalytic properties of the tissue. The results are expressed in terms of % of degraded NO and Nox, starting from the concentration initially contained in the photoreactor. The following table shows the values obtained for the sample Self Clean.Ink Fabric.
In graphical format, the photocatalytic behaviour of the tissue when in contact with the gaseous pollutants and activated under exposure to UV light, is shown below.
Degradation graph of the contaminants of nitric oxides, for the sample Self Clean.Ink Fabric.
To the mean value obtained, in the air purification performance of 4.72% for Nox the tested sample would also be classified as Class 1 (air purification performance between 4% and 6%), according to the classification established by UNE 127197-1:2013:
| TYPE | Air purification performance – Nox |
| Type 0 – no activity | X NOx >4,0% |
| Type 1 | 4,0% ≥ X NOx ≤ 6,0% |
| Type 2 | 6,0% ≥ X NOx ≤ 8,0% |
| Type 3 | X NOx > 8,0% |
Anti-microbial effect
Regarding the antiseptic effect of the Self Clean.Ink fabric, in the AITEX laboratories, research has been carried out which confirms that it has a very relevant antimicrobial effect applied to textile materials and products that will be in direct contact with the skin or that form part of furniture and elements in those rooms and places where high standards of hygiene and disinfection are required.
For this work the tissue sample was exposed during 5h to a previous activation with UV lamp. Immediately after complete exposure time was tested against bacteria:
- Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538. Gram +type.
- Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. Gram type -.
The values obtained for the antibacterial activity of the sample were as follows:
| SELF CLEAN.INK FABRIC | |
| Activity against S. aureus | 5,08 |
| Activity against a E. Coli | 4,99 |
These data confirm that Self Clean.Ink exhibits strong antibacterial activity, against the two bacteria tested.
