The concept of bioactive ceramics originated in Japan in the Sixties, where in the laboratories at the University of Tokyo a series of experiments were carried out on oxides, seeking to implement a chemical reaction through light, which led for the first time to the photocatalytic effect.
In 1967, researchers Akira Fujishima and Kenichi Honda discovered the active cleaning effect of titanium dioxide (TiO2) when subject to photocatalysis. They studied the phenomenon, known today as the "Honda-Fujishima-Effect", and published the results of their research in an article entitled "The Effect of Photokatalysator TiO2", which appeared in Nature magazine in 1972. In the specific case, the reaction obtained by immersing a TiO2 rutile crystal and a fragment of platinum in water and exposing it to light developed gas bubbles. In this way, exclusively in the presence of light and without any electrical energy, the water decomposes into oxygen and hydrogen. The high oxidising capacity of the TiO2 has been seen to be able to destroy numerous organic compounds. On this basis, in the mid-Nineties, a team of development engineers from the Japanese leader in bathroom solutions, TOTO, developed and patented the passive cleaning action of photocatalysis: HYDROTECT®. The sum of the disintegrating action of TiO2 and the advantages of a super-waterproof surface which, under the action of UV rays is able to reduce the angle of contact with water, paved the way for a new generation of self-cleaning surface finishes.
Through an important cooperation agreement signed with the Japanese giant TOTO, today Laminam is able to guarantee its customers the innovative HYDROTECT self-cleaning treatment on its ceramic slabs.
The slabs treated with Hydrotect are an innovative type of eco-compatible products able to generate chemical and biological reactions, with positive effects in terms of antibacterial power, reduction of pollutants, self-cleaning surfaces, offering a huge contribution to increasing the quality of the environment they are used in. The processes require no electricity, energy or renewal of compounds to maintain the reaction over time.
HYDROTECT is a unique technology that renders surfaces self-cleaning. Outside, the surfaces treated with HYDROTECT react with the ultra-violet rays (produced both by sunlight and artificial sources) and decompose any organic matter, neutralising nitrogen oxides (NoX) with a cleaning effect. This process not only renders materials self-cleaning but purifies the air. This type of covering can also be used indoors, thanks to its unique structure, Hydrotect treatment shows anti-bacterial properties even in a room without windows or in a room at night (only with indoor lights). The antibacterial activity of LAMINAM slabs treated with Hydrotect has been verified according to ISO 27447. In public spaces, for example, the use of Laminam slabs treated with HYDROTECT technology prevents the spreading of germs and bacteria and eliminates the bad odours deriving from their action.
Surfaces coated with Hydrotect® have super hydrophilic properties. When it rains, a film of water is produced to lift up and wash away dirt.
A Hydrotect® coated house (approx. 150 m2) purifies the same amount of air as a forested area the size of approx. four tennis courts (approx. 1000m2).
It decomposes the same amount of NOx produced by 11 cars driving approx. 30 km in 24 hours.
Hydrotect® has an antibacterial feature when used indoors. Bacteria are eliminated when they come into contact with the slabs, even in a room without windows or in a room at night (only with indoor lights).
The antibacterial effect of Hydrotect® helps to eliminate unpleasant odours deriving from the spread of bacteria and germs, even in the complete absence of light.