Artedomus Introduces Active 2.0

At a time when the world is more health and hygiene conscious than ever before, Artedomus introduces Active 2.0, an innovative photocatalytic application developed by Fiandre that is a combination of titanium dioxide and silver fused to porcelain panels and tiles that gives the porcelain anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-odour and self-cleaning properties.

“Active 2.0 is spread in an incredibly thin layer at a micro level, so it doesn’t affect the aesthetics of the tile in any sense,” says Phil Brenton, Artedomus Managing Director. While the layer is invisible to the eye, the combination of titanium dioxide and silver in the presence of light has been tested and shown to destroy viruses, bacteria and pollutants such as VOCs that are commonly found in modern buildings.

“Active 2.0 is spread in an incredibly thin layer at a micro level, so it doesn’t affect the aesthetics of the tile in any sense,” says Phil Brenton, Artedomus Managing Director.

During a global pandemic, the anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties demonstrated by the product are especially relevant, but the anti-pollutant and self-cleaning benefits are also worth noting. With ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ coined to describe the condition by which buildings create toxic environments through mould, polluted outside air, and furniture, paint, building materials and cleaning products that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), Active 2.0 will revolutionise the health of buildings even when COVID-19 is not the dominant health concern.

Meanwhile, Active 2.0’s hydrophilic nature means porcelain panels and tiles treated with the layer become effectively self-cleaning. Requiring little to no detergent or other cleaning products to remove dirt, the application of water alone (or simply rainfall if the panels are used to clad a building externally) is enough to ensure there is no build-up of grime.

While the layer is invisible to the eye, the combination of titanium dioxide and silver in the presence of light has been tested and shown to destroy viruses, bacteria and pollutants such as VOCs that are commonly found in modern buildings.

Once applied and fused to the porcelain in a secondary firing process, Active 2.0 will not wear out as it becomes intrinsic to the surface. It is also entirely safe for humans and animals, Matt Croll, Artedomus Sydney sales manager. “Titanium dioxide has been noted as being inert to humans. It’s natural in the sense that it’s also bonded through pressure and heat so there’s no bonding agents or binding agents like you find in some other man-made products.”