BIOS Self-Cleaning® requires the presence of sunlight for its anti-bacterial properties to activate. Do note that while this article talks about BIOS Self-Cleaning, we do also have anti-bacterial tiles that are also reactive without the presence of sunlight.
What is BIOS Self-Cleaning®?
Allow us to first demystify one type of our anti bacterial tiles. BIOS Self-Cleaning® was established by Casalgrande Padana, one of the top tile manufacturers of Italy, under a master agreement with TOTO®, a leading Japanese manufacturer of sanitary ware products. BIOS Self-Cleaning was designed to provide anti-bacterial protection to external facings (outdoor tiles). It uses the HYDROTECT® treatment, whereby a reaction is triggered when the surface of the tile is exposed to sunlight. This reaction reduces airborne pollutants and also results in a decomposition of dirt on the surface of the tile. Tiles treated with BIOS Self-Cleaning® are also equipped with a super-hydrophillic surface (water droplets do not stay on the walls but slide away), which allows rainwater to wash off the decomposed dirt very easily.
BIOS Self-Cleaning consists of a component of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2). It is a natural substance that has photo-catalytic properties. Meaning to say, pollutants on the surface of the tile will be decomposed when in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) llight.
What is the HYDROTECT® Technology?
The HYDROTECT® Technology is patented by TOTO. It has been licensed out to manufacturers from all around the world who seek to include this amazing feature into their products.
It is a special protective coating that provides building materials the self-cleaning feature. When used on external facings (outdoors) and exposed to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light, Nitric Dioxide (NOx, a harmful substance) is oxidised into less harmful substances. This process not only decomposes dirt and bacteria, but purifies the surrounding air too.
The main benefits from introducing such tiles into the building of a development is the great financial savings from cleaning and maintaining the surfaces.
What is a Super-Hydrophillic Surface?
Water is easily glided away on a super-hydrophillic surface. When you sprinkle water onto a normal surface (which is a non-hydrophillic surface), you will realise that some water droplets will remain on the surface before it evaporates.
What You Need to Know About BIOS Self-Cleaning®:
BIOS Self-Cleaning® is certified. However, it is NOT able to:
- Remove stains that surpass its self-cleaning properties. This refers to stubborn stains that create a strong bond with the surface. For example, graffiti, dried mud.
- Remove rust.
- Kill bacteria without sunlight.
- Remove dirt without rain.
How Does BIOS Self-Cleaning® Purify the Air?
Oxygen is formed when sunlight comes into a contact with a surface that is treated with BIOS Self-Cleaning.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) that are produced from vehicles or industrial processes are detrimental to our environment. As mentioned earlier, the oxygen produced by this treatment oxidises NOx into less harmful substances. The oxidised product that is then washed away by the rain water is now too weak to have any negative effects on acidifying whatever it touches.
Did you know? 150 square metres of tiles treated with BIOS Self can purify the air that has been polluted by the emission of NOx emmitted by 11 cars in the course of 1 day! This amount of treated tiles has the same effect a football pitch can give!
