Photocatalytic and self-cleaning activity of colored mortars containing TiO2

In previous works, commercial mortars containing anatase phase titanium dioxide were proved to show photoactivated properties under UV light irradiation. These materials allowed both to degrade polluting compounds at the materials surface and to decrease maintenance costs thanks to their self-cleaning properties. In this work, the possible interaction between TiO2 and pigments, which are commonly added to the mixture in the production of colored mortars, was investigated, with particular reference to synergetic or detrimental effects of this interaction on the photoactivated properties of the studied materials.