The idea of concrete which literally cleans itself is hard to comprehend.
But this is exactly what Luigi Cassar invented in Italy, in 2013 – a concrete compound which literally sheds dirt and stains without any human effort required.
So, how does it work?
The secret ingredient to this self-cleaning concrete is in fact, the sun.
When the light and heat of the sun hits the the concrete, it reacts with catalysts that are part of the concrete’s make-up.
Then, the energy created by this process breaks down dirt into small molecules; oxygen, water carbon dioxide, nitrates and sulphates.
The gases then float away into the atmosphere, while the liquid is washed away by rain.
As well as cleaning its own surface, the concrete can actually purify the air around it.
For instance, when airborne pollutants land on the concrete, a similar reaction happens. The pollutants are broken down by the catalysts and washed or blown away.
Below, we take a closer look at the benefits and negatives of this high-tech material.
What Are the Benefits?
The most obvious benefit to self-cleaning concrete is the fact that far less manual cleaning maintenance will be required.
On top of that, your business would theoretically spend less money on cleaning.
Furthermore, the concrete, whether that be on walls or floor surfaces, will keep its colour for much longer, especially if the finish is white.
Thirdly, this concrete can actually clean the air.
For example, one study showed that paving with photocatalytic surfaces decomposed 15% of the nitrous oxide produced by passing cars.
That’s even more effective than planting trees on the side of the road.
Cassar also found something similar when inventing the material. He discovered that the air around the concrete contained 80% less nitrous oxide.
So hypothetically, the use of this concrete throughout urban centers could massively reduce air pollution.
What Are the Negatives?
For all its benefits, there is a downside to self-cleaning concrete.
This material hasn’t actually been in use long enough to fully understand its environmental impact, but it may become a source of pollution.
For instance, the molecules that are broken down by the concrete don’t just disappear. They have to end up somewhere.
And if these particles are being blown away or washed away by the rain, they’re inevitably going to end up in the storm water system. And from there, rivers and oceans.
So, whilst self-cleaning concrete is being floated as an eco-friendly idea, it could actually have a terrible impact on the already over-polluted oceans.
On the other hand, manual cleaning can obviously result in similar pollution.
However, Sydney Sweep and Scrub work responsibly, ensuring no pollutants enter the drains, and therefore the ocean.
Our cutting-edge machines also collect harmful particles and debris, disposing of it responsibly.
To discuss your sweep and scrub needs, get in touch with us here.
