Photocatalytic compositions for sound barrier of highways

This article deals with the possibility of reducing the atmospheric ecological load from highways by applying compounds with photocatalytic properties on acoustic screens. It has been established that the amount of nitrogen oxides exceeds MPC standards in the territory of Moscow. In this paper, we offer a potential way to reduce the level of average daily and maximum single MPC of nitrogen oxides, by the use of photocatalytic compositions in traditional acoustic coatings. The use of titanium dioxide in its anatase form is proposed to impart photocatalytic properties. Additionally, a cellulose suspension obtained by saturation in aqueous medium followed by homogenization will be introduced to reduce density and increase porosity. A two-factor composition experiment has been carried out by the method of mathematical planning, based on which we have established the level of influence of titanium dioxide and cellulose suspension additives on the strength, density and water absorption of composites under study. The research into the obtained composites structure shows that TiO2 is mainly located on the surface of cellulose fibers, which theoretically increases the useful surface for photocatalytic reactions and, as a consequence, the final efficiency of such compositions.