Self-cleaning engineered cementitious composites. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhao, Aiqin; Yang, Jinglei; Yang, En-Hua
• Is Part Of: Cement & concrete composites. Volume 64(2015)
• Page Start: 74
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Engineered cementitious composites -- ECC -- Self-cleaning -- Mechanical properties -- Photocatalysis -- TiO2; Composite-reinforced concrete -- Periodicals; Concrete -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composites de ciment -- Périodiques; Béton -- Périodiques; Composites -- Périodiques; Béton léger -- Périodiques; Cement composites; Composite materials; Composite-reinforced concrete; Concrete; Lightweight concrete; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2015.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-9465

Abstract

Abstract: Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is a strain hardening cementitious composite with extreme tensile ductility of several percent. Few emerging applications of ECC, including lightweight building façade and pavement, make self-cleaning a desirable functionality to be added into the material. This study aims to impart photocatalytic properties into ECC for engaging self-cleaning. Influence of TiO2 content on mechanical properties, cleaning efficiency, surface wettability, and dirt pick-up resistance of white ECC was studied. It shows that the inclusion of TiO2 in ECC engages photocatalysis, facilitates the decomposition of RhB, and enhances photo-induced hydrophilicity significantly. As a result, TiO2 -ECC possesses self-cleaning with higher dirt pick-up resistance than normal ECC. However, TiO2 photocatalysis may adversely affect the flexural strength and ductility of ECC due to weakened fiber/matrix interface bond after UV/sunlight irradiation.