Photocatalytic colors

New Color Pigment is Powered by the Sun

› Rockwood Pigments, manufacturer of innovative inorganic pigments and business unit of Rockwood Holdings Inc. (NYSE: ROC), announces the introduction of a new generation of iron oxide color pigment fused with functional properties that respond to sunlight to enable surfaces to self-clean, reduce air pollutants and inhibit microbial
growth. The new pigment, called Solarox™ (patent-pending), is the first colored pigment of its kind with photo-catalytic properties.

Rockwood Pigments, in collaboration with the University of Turin, world-renowned for its expertise in the field of photo-catalysis, has developed a manufacturing process which merges the coloring power of iron oxide pigments with the photo-catalytic properties of titanium dioxide. The resulting Solarox pigment is available in the complete range of yellow, red and black iron oxide color shades that can be blended to create a spectrum of brown, gold, tan and buff color combinations. 

“Solarox represents a completely new approach in color pigment development as we combine the aesthetic appeal of color with the functional power of photo-catalysis, powered by natural light,” says Rockwood Pigment’s President, Andrew Ross. “Through this development, we believe that we will accelerate the interest in and consumption of construction products with photo-catalytic properties. The initial response from customers reinforces our belief in the ultimate success of this product launch. This product will revolutionize the way color is used, moving beyond aesthetic appeal to providing a positive benefit to our environment”. 

Solarox pigments demonstrate the same high-durability, fade-resistance and wide application of standard iron oxides. Tests at the University of Turin have confirmed the powerful photo-catalytic properties of Solarox and its suitability for use in construction materials such as concrete masonry, pavers, plaster, stucco, roofing materials, wall renderings and decorative concrete. 

Mr. Ross adds “It is easy to adopt Solarox technology in traditional concrete products. The concrete product manufacturing process will not be altered. There is no new pigment handling equipment required and no need for product reformulation, other than switching to Solarox. A customer currently making colored concrete products can easily incorporate the benefits of photo-catalytic properties simply by substituting conventional iron oxide pigments with Solarox.” 

Interest in photo-catalytic properties in construction materials is increasing in response to the desire for environmentally compatible construction materials for new-build projects, refurbishments, renovations and the growing trend towards ‘green’ buildings. Solarox pigments comply with existing industry standards for iron oxides. They are compliant with ASTM and European used standards like EN, ISO, BS or DIN and classified as non-hazardous. 

 


x

Related articles:

Issue 04/2010 Evironmentally Materials

Photocatalytic Concrete in Color

Products made of photocatalytic concrete are mainly achieved by cements that are doped with photocatalytic titanium dioxide, therefore only white and grey products are commonly available. There is...

more
Issue 07/2017

Colored traffic zones with iron oxide pigments ensure safety

Pedestrian zones, high traffic density and lanes for different vehicles – especially inner cities often have to cope with these complex challenges. To ensure safety for all road users, surfaces of...

more
Issue 05/2013 Lanxess AG

Black pigments for coloring concrete

The specialty chemicals group Lanxess has expanded its product portfolio of black pigments for coloring construction materials. The new powder pigment Bayferrox TP LXS 5253 is suitable for use in all...

more
Issue 02/2014 Black architectural concrete

Unwanted interactions between black iron-oxide pigment and PCE-based superplasticizers –

PCE-based superplasticizers are commonly used as concrete additives to manufacture precast elements and ready-mixed concrete. They are mainly used for the production of self-compacting or easily...

more
Issue 07/2014

A comparison of color pigments in ­different forms

In the last few years, it has become more and more popular to color concrete integrally by means of pigments. Their quality is of great importance for this purpose. Years of studies on colored...

more