Photocatalytic activity of water-based acrylic coatings containing fluorosilane treated TiO2 nanoparticles

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the interactions between fluorosilane compound and TiO2 nanoparticles. Analyzing surface topography using atomic force microscopy analysis results showed better dispersion of the treated nanoparticles on the coatings' surface. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis of the coating containing fluorosilane treated TiO2 nanoparticles showed higher concentration of Ti element on the coatings' surface. Color coordinate measurements revealed faster and more efficient decomposition of Rhodamine B dyestuff on the coatings' surface containing FT nanoparticles under UVA irradiation. This can be related to the tendency of FT nanoparticles for migration toward the coatings' surface, during film formation process. The durability tests results revealed a uniform degradation of the coating surface containing FT nanoparticles. Finally, TiO2 nanoparticles treated in this way may offer promising prospect for applications in self-cleaning organic coatings.