Influence of Titanium Dioxide Photocatalytic Residue Incorporation on Fresh State Properties of Cement-Based Materials

Emilly Pereira Sá Teles; Marianna Luna Sousa Rivetti; Paulo Roberto Lopes Lima; Pedro Manoel Moreira Novaes Santos

doi:10.34178/jbth.v9i8.695

Emilly Pereira Sá Teles
Marianna Luna Sousa Rivetti
Paulo Roberto Lopes Lima
Pedro Manoel Moreira Novaes Santos

DOI: https://doi.org/10.34178/jbth.v9i8.695

Keywords: Titanium Dioxide, Photocatalytic Properties, Cement Paste, Fresh-State Properties

Abstract

Nowadays, due to high levels of emission of polluting gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), it is very common in the construction industry to search for sustainable alternatives that contribute to the reduction of environmental impacts. Therefore, the incorporation of photocatalytic residues, such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂), has shown to be a valuable ally in this approach, since it is known for its photocatalytic properties, which contribute to the degradation of atmospheric pollutants and to the improvement of concrete durability. This study aims to analyze the behavior of the insertion of different contents of photocatalytic residue in cement pastes and evaluation of its impact on fresh state properties, especially investigating an optimal dosage that balances workability and environmental sustainability. This work represents only a first step, though an essential one, toward more comprehensive studies that consider the photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ and its potential to contribute to environmentally responsible solutions in civil construction. In this regard, different contents of titanium dioxide were incorporated in cementitious matrices (10%, 15%, and 20%) with a constant water-to-cement ratio of 0.5 to analyze the influence of the residue on fresh state properties of cement-based materials. The experimental methodology involved the preparation of cement paste samples using Portland Cement V-ARI RS, with standardized mixing procedures, aiming to ensure homogeneous TiO₂ dispersion and optimize the results of the experiments. In addition, the proposal also aims to understand the performance and evolution of the paste strength over time, as well as to evaluate the effects of TiO₂ incorporation focusing on paste workability. The analyses were conducted through mini-slump and setting time tests. The study reinforces the potential of TiO₂ potential as a sustainable additive, especially when properly dosed and incorporated.