engleski

Sensitized polyurethane/TiO2 photocatalytic films ; Application of mixture design methodology for optimal film composition determination

The main goal of this research was to find an optimal composition of the photocatalytic film based on three components ; polyurethane (PUR) as a composite matrix, TiO2 as a photocatalyst and waste toner pigments (INK) as a sensitizer. Films were applied for photocatalytic degradation of dodecylbenzene sulfonate (LAS-C12)surfactant in a model wastewater. Development and characterization of films is described within this study. INK and commercial TiO2 powder (AEROXIDE P25) were dispersed within the PUR matrix. Acetone was used as a dispersion medium. After mixing, PUR composites were then cast as films, dried, cut in pieces (1.1 x 13.0 cm)and used as photocatalytic films. During the dispersion, the structure of INK and TiO2 did not change. According to the applied mixture design methodology, set of 14 films with different composition was prepared. Minimum ratio of PUR was 0.73m, while the maximum mass ratios of TiO2 and INK were 0.25 and 0.02, respectively. Efficiency of the photocatalytic oxidation of LAS-C12 has been evaluated for each applied film, based on the colorimetrically determined LAS-C12 concentration. Experiments were performed in a SUNTEST chamber equipped with a Xenon lamp. Model solution was recirculated through an open cell over the films. Polymer films were characterized by mechanical testing, FTIR and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy.

polyurethane photocatalytic films; TiO2; mixture design

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