Functionalization of one-component cement silicate paint

The paper presents the results of a study devoted to expanding the functional properties of one-component cement-silicate paints based on white Portland cement, soluble sodium glass and a hardening retarder (sodium phosphate). Existing compositions, despite their exceptional performance qualities, are not able to provide the entire range of required functional characteristics. Therefore, in order to expand the areas of cement silicate paints application, additives based on aluminum powder and nano-sized titanium dioxide were introduced into the coating composition. This resulted in the increase in the electrical conductivity of the coating and made the paint self-cleaning due to photocatalysis. The study showed that the introduction of nano-sized titanium dioxide particles into the paint composition provides the rapid degradation of organic pigments (within 2 days) due to the photocatalysis reaction occurring under the influence of ultraviolet solar radiation. The pigments are further removed due to precipitation. This helps to maintain the aesthetic properties of the paint even in high dust conditions, for example, in conditions of sandstorms, which are frequent in the African climate. The introduction of aluminum powder into the paint composition reduces its electrical resistance (in a wet state) from 5.05 kOhm for the reference sample to 2.7 kOhm for the modified sample. The thickness of the applied paint was 350 microns. This can help the coating to absorb man-made electromagnetic radiation due to shielding, while preventing the accumulation of static electricity on the surface, which also contributes to less dust in the premises. In addition, the use of aluminum powder instead of traditional electrically conductive carbon-containing additives allows maintaining the aesthetically pleasant white color of the paint.