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POLLUTION ABSORPTIVE CONCRETE
Pollution-absorptive concrete, also known as photocatalytic or self-cleaning concrete, is a special

type of concrete that can absorb and break down air pollutants, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOx),
through a chemical reaction. This concrete contains a photocatalyst, usually titanium dioxide
(TiO₂), which, when exposed to sunlight or UV light, triggers a reaction that neutralizes pollutants
in the air.
KEY FEATURES:
1.Pollutant Breakdown: The concrete absorbs harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx),
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and sulfur oxides (SOx) from the air. The titanium dioxide acts
as a catalyst in the presence of sunlight or UV light to convert these pollutants into harmless
substances like water, nitrates, and carbon dioxide, which are then washed away by rain.
2.Self-Cleaning Properties: Besides absorbing pollutants, the photocatalytic effect also helps the
concrete remain clean. Organic materials like dust, grime, and even graffiti break down on the
surface, keeping the concrete looking fresh with minimal maintenance.
3.UV Activation: The concrete needs exposure to ultraviolet light to activate the photocatalytic
process. This makes it particularly effective in outdoor environments where it can interact with
natural sunlight.
4.Durability: Pollution-absorptive concrete maintains the same durability as regular concrete, with
the added environmental benefits. It can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it suitable
for urban infrastructure.
APPLICATIONS:
•Urban Areas: It is used in cities to reduce air pollution in areas with high traffic and industrial
activities. Buildings, roads, pavements, and tunnels can be constructed with this material to help
purify the air.
•Roadways: Pavements made from this concrete can help reduce pollution from vehicle emissions,
especially in congested areas.
•Building Facades: High-rise buildings can benefit from using this material on their exteriors,
reducing the pollution in their immediate surroundings while keeping the façade clean.
•Public Spaces: Parks, plazas, and other public areas can incorporate pollution-absorptive concrete
to improve air quality.
PROCESS:
•Photocatalysis: The key mechanism behind pollution-absorptive concrete is photocatalysis. When
sunlight hits the titanium dioxide in the concrete, it activates a chemical process that turns
pollutants like NOx into less harmful substances.
•Rain Washing: After the pollutants are neutralized, rainwater naturally washes away the residues
from the surface, allowing the concrete to continue absorbing new pollutants.
AREOGEL
Aerogel is an ultralight, porous material known for its remarkable insulating properties and incredibly low
density. Often referred to as "frozen smoke" or "solid air" due to its translucent appearance and lightweight
nature, aerogel is created by removing the liquid component from a gel and replacing it with gas, resulting in a
solid material with a very high internal surface area and minimal mass.
Key Features:
1.Low Density: Aerogels are some of the lightest materials ever created, with densities just slightly higher than
air. This is due to their unique structure, which consists of 95-99% air.
2.High Insulation: Aerogels are excellent thermal insulators, significantly reducing heat transfer. Their low
thermal conductivity makes them ideal for insulating buildings, spacecraft, and clothing.
3.Porous Structure: The material is highly porous, with a network of nano-sized voids that trap air and provide
insulation. This porosity also gives aerogels their ultralight quality.
4.Translucence: Silica-based aerogels are often translucent, giving them a ghostly, frosted-glass appearance.
This characteristic is useful for applications where light transmission is needed, such as in skylights or windows.
APPLICATIONS:
1.Thermal Insulation:
1. Building Materials: Aerogels are used as insulative layers in walls, windows, and roofs to reduce heat
loss while keeping structures lightweight.
2. Space Exploration: NASA uses aerogels to insulate spacecraft, Mars rovers, and space suits. It was
famously used in the Mars Pathfinder mission.
3. Clothing: Aerogel is incorporated into lightweight, insulating clothing for extreme environments,
including high-performance outdoor gear and firefighter suits.
2.Environmental Applications:
1. Oil Spill Cleanup: Some aerogels are highly absorbent and can be used to clean up oil spills by soaking
up large quantities of oil while repelling water.
2. Pollution Control: Metal oxide aerogels can be used to filter pollutants or catalyze chemical reactions
to break down toxic substances.
3.Soundproofing: The porous nature of aerogels also makes them effective at absorbing sound, making them
useful in soundproofing walls or devices.
4.Lightweight Construction: Due to its strength-to-weight ratio, aerogels are used in lightweight structural
components for vehicles and aircraft.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS:
1.Gel Formation: A gel is created by mixing a solution of silica or other base materials.
2.Supercritical Drying: The gel undergoes a drying process in which the liquid inside is removed, but instead of
evaporating, it is replaced by gas using a supercritical fluid extraction process. This preserves the delicate,
porous structure of the material, preventing it from collapsing.
3.Final Product: After drying, the remaining solid material is an aerogel, which retains the structure and volume
of the original gel but without the liquid.

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POLLUTION ABSORPTIVE CONCRETE

Pollution-absorptive concrete, also known as photocatalytic or self-cleaning concrete, is a special

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