CHICAGO— StonePeak is targeting the green community with a new technology it has launched called Active, which facilitates a photocatalytic reaction designed to remove pollutants from the air and eliminate bacteria on the surface of ceramic tile, noted Bill Perkins, marketing and territory development manager, TransCeramica for Graniti Fiandre, parent company of Stonepeak.

“This new technology exemplifies StonePeak’s commitment to the environment and sustainable building,” he explained. “Thanks to our exclusive production methodology, Active tiles are able to carry out a specific antibacterial action and reduce polluting factors that are, unfortunately, a constant presence in contemporary urban environments.

“With Active clean air and antibacterial ceramic,” Perkins added, “today it is possible to use, inside and outside buildings, materials that make an active contribution to creating a better atmosphere and a cleaner environment.”

Photocatalysis is a simple, natural phenomenon that involves light and another substance called a photocatalyst, he noted. When light (natural or artificial) hits the photocatalyst, a chemical process called oxidation occurs. Oxidation occurs regularly in nature with many different results. “Titanium Dioxide (TiO2), apart from being a common ingredient in sun-screens lotions, toothpastes, paints, plastic and building materials, is probably the most common photocatalyst.”

When titanium dioxide is activated by light and oxidation occurs, then, through oxidation, numerous organic compounds are broken down. Among these are dirt, pollution deposits and microorganism of various kinds, including bacteria.

To obtain the photocatalysis process on the tile surface, titanium dioxide is incorporated in the slabs with a special high-temperature methodology, Perkins explained. “Stone-Peak’s process differs from all other similar technologies existing in various branches of industry that usually involve the use of nano-particles which have been recently cited as potentially posing a number of health threats during the manufacturing process.”

The research carried out by StonePeak has developed a new exclusive methodology, which does not employ nano-particles, using an application of micrometric titanium dioxide instead. The mill will produce an “activated version” of most of its “best-loved products,” concluded Perkins, “and will print the activation date on each tile box.”

For more information, visit active-ceramic.com.