The environmental properties of building materials are currently the subject of increased discussion in the media. The central issue is the photocatalysis that verifiably occurs due to titanium dioxide and which, among other things, converts nitrogen oxides into nitrates. The photocatalytic effects of the white pigment titanium dioxide in its crystalline form, anatase, were feared for a long time in paints with organic binders due to their destructive effect on the binder. However, the development of rutile pigments with surface treatment meant that they could be stabilised in such a way that the chalking effect on paints no longer occurred. Titanium dioxide was mentioned “documentarily” as early as 1965 for its long-term brilliance as a white pigment [1]. B. Henk reported as early as 1959 on the possibility to further brighten up white marking concrete through the use of white pigments [2]. Following that, numerous projects were carried out with white cement and the addition of titanium dioxide as a pigment, whereby a further advantage was discovered, namely the self-cleaning effect, especially on vertical surfaces.
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