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Enhancing Functionality of Epoxy-TiO2-Embedded High-Strength Lightweight Aggregates
Taekyung Lim1, Jeong Hui Lee1, Ju-Hyun Mun2
1Department of Physics, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16227, Korea.
Polymers
|October 21, 2020
Summary
This study developed a new lightweight aggregate (LWA) using epoxy and TiO2 nanoparticles. The enhanced LWA shows improved strength and effectively reduces air pollutants like NOx and SOx.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Modern architecture demands lightweight aggregate (LWA) concrete with enhanced strength and functionality.
- Optimizing aggregate properties is crucial for weight reduction, strength improvement, and functional enhancements in concrete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-strength, functional LWA with reduced air pollutant emissions.
- To investigate the effectiveness of epoxy-TiO2 coating on LWA properties and environmental impact.
Main Methods:
- Negative pressure coating of LWA with a mixture of epoxy, hyper-crosslinked polymer, and TiO2 nanoparticles.
- Evaluation of aggregate impact value (AIV) for strength assessment.
- Measurement of NOx and SOx reduction rates due to photocatalytic TiO2 nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- The epoxy-TiO2-embedded LWA demonstrated a significant reduction in AIV from 38.7% to 21.1%.
- Photocatalytic properties of TiO2 nanoparticles achieved approximately 90.9% NOx and 92.8% SOx reduction.
- The modified LWA exhibited stability, high strength, and pollutant reduction capabilities even after repeated water washing.
Conclusions:
- The developed epoxy-TiO2 embedded LWA offers superior structural and functional properties.
- This innovative LWA is suitable for high-rise and large-scale architectural applications requiring functional lightweight concrete.
- The study highlights a promising approach for creating sustainable building materials with air purification capabilities.
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