Photocatalytic Oxidation, or PCO, is a process that uses a combination of light and a catalyst, titanium dioxide, to ensure the cleanliness and perfect hygiene of tile products in any setting, be it a home, hospital, or any other public space. Today, we’re going to share with you about an innovative technology one of our manufacturers has developed for PCO.
Agrob Buchtal, a German manufacturer we represent through Deutsche Steinzug America, has developed Hydrotect (or HT), a proprietary technology that was the first of its kind for the tile industry. The HT coating uses the power of light to activate titanium dioxide within the coating. When this activation takes place, the surface tension of water on the tile is decreased, which allows for dirt, grease, and other particles to rinse from the tile with ease. Simultaneously, the photocatalytic reaction activates oxygen in the atmosphere. Bacteria are destroyed and regrowth is prevented.
These illustrations depict dirt being rinsed off of tiles with the HT coating.
Selecting floor and walls tiles with the HT coating provides three distinct advantages. Tiles have an antibacterial effect; they are easy to clean; and they are capable of eliminating odors. Other advantages of incorporating tiles with an HT coating in your project include the improvement of the room’s climate, low cleaning costs and only minimum cleaning required, and the retaining of the tile’s original characteristics, among others.
Tiles with HT coating are appropriate for use in most any setting. They are often specified for use in kitchen facilities and catering businesses, hospitals and other medical buildings, swimming pools and wellness areas, restrooms, reception areas, homes, and even for the façade of a building.
Kitchens are a great place for tiles with the HT coating.
Perhaps one of the best facts about HT is its long-term guarantee. As the coating is burnt into the surface of the tile, it is indestructible for the entire life of the tile.
Other tile manufacturers have tried to develop recreate the technology, but Agrob Buchtal was the first to develop it and now incorporates the technology into a large portion of their product line.
If you are interested in learning more about photocatalytic oxidation, the HT coating technology, or want to learn about tile products with this technology incorporated, please contact Conestoga Tile at 888-415-5689. We will be happy to provide you with more information and recommend products to you.
Images from Agrob-buchtal.de