Technical Abstracts

Page 12...Depollution coatings using photocatalysis or "how my back fence became a pollution filter"

by Steve Forrest

It is estimated that 5,000 people in metropolitan Manila, in the Philippines, die prematurely each year as a direct result of outdoor air pollution.  The World Health Organization estimates over 2 million people die each year world wide.  The most damaging components of outdoor air pollution are the varioous nitrogen oxides (collectively referred to as NOx) with the single biggest source of NOx being vehicle combustion engines.  NOx reacts to form smog, causing breathing problems and it also damages crops and vegetation.  NOx also reacts to form particulates and acid vapour that penetrate the lungs and can lead to emphysema, bronchitis or respiratory disease.  Cristal Global, a leading manufacturer of nano-scale titanium dioxide, has been engaged in trials monitoring the effectiveness of deploying photocatalytic coatings in polluted locations.  These photocatalytic surface coatings are able to react with various air pollutants, principally NOx.  Results demonstrate such coatings react with the pollutants removing them from the air and generating less harmful components.  It is encouraging to have coatings manufactured and used in ways that minimise their environmental footprint, but it is a paradigm shift to have a coating that actively improves air quality.

Page 18...Evaluation of sustainability with the eco-efficiency analysis tool

by Qian (Janine) Dong, Jan-Uwe Kluessendorf and Peter Saling 

Measurement or calculation of Eco-Efficiency is an analytical tool developed by BASF as an extension of the established Life Cycle Analysis process to include evaluation of Ecological Factors with the same weighting as is given to Economic (Cost) Factors.  Eco-Efficiency analysis can be applied to many typs of materials and processes to enable development and introduction of innovative products which contribute to ongoing sustainable development.

News Headlines

BUSINESS NEWS

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ASIAN NEWS

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Indian ICI business to be rebranded

AkzoNobel's integration activities following the acquisition ofICI have reached a significant landmark with the ICI India business now officially known as AkzoNobel India Limited....

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