New trifunctional acrylic water-based paint with self-cleaning, biocidal and magnetic properties

Abstract

In the present study, we report the synthesis and application of ZnFe2O4/SiO2-TiO2 nanocomposites with non-stoichiometric content of Fe to Zn used for the first time for the preparation of new generation trifunctional paints with self-cleaning, biocidal and magnetic properties. Currently, there are no compositions on the market for obtaining protective coatings in the form of paint, which simultaneously exhibit biocidal, magnetic and self-cleaning - photocatalytic properties. The effect of Zn:Fe content on the antimicrobial, magnetic and self-cleaning properties of obtained modified paints was investigated. Furthermore, the non-stoichiometric zinc ferrite in combination with TiO2 allowed to create of a surface that inhibits microorganisms' growth. Self-cleaning properties were studied in the reaction of dye - neutral red degradation. The commercial white paint was not photocatalytic active. Paint modification with nanocomposites based on ZnO/ZnFe2O4 and TiO2 resulted in the effective degradation of natural red dye. The highest dye removal efficiency was observed for the sample containing ZnFe2O4/SiO2-TiO2 particles with a non-stoichiometric 1:2 (Fe: Zn) molar ratio. Trifunctional paints with photocatalytic, magnetic and biocidal properties are a novelty in building products. The composition can be applied to protective and decorative layers, giving magnetic, biocidal and self-cleaning properties.