Air pollution is a major problem, particularly in towns and urban areas. Our measure: RegaCLEAN
As standard, the slats of the Regacompact® roller shutter model are treated with RegaCLEAN, a photocatalytic formulation based on nanoscale titanium dioxide. During the production process, it is applied to the slats, which are then dried while still in the machine. This forms a solid, invisible and odourless film on the surface of the slats.
Titanium dioxide acts as a photocatalyst. When exposed to UVA radiation, it produces reactive oxygen species that convert airborne pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into harmless nitrates, carbon dioxide and water.
The result: the ambient air is purified, and dirt rolls right off the roller shutter curtain. Since the catalyst is activated by sunlight, the photocatalytic treatment is an obvious choice for roller shutters.
An effective low-tech solution
Live tests showed that photocatalytically treated surfaces can reduce airborne pollutants by up to 40 per cent1. The Fraunhofer Institute conducted tests that were evaluated by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI). SUPSI confirms the effectiveness of photocatalytically treated surfaces, stating that 'PCO2 […] represents a promising alternative to conventional air purification methods'.
1Source: iSCAPE, a European Union research and innovation project.
2PCO stands for photocatalytic oxidation.
How RegaCLEAN works
Pollutants Air pollution endangers health and impairs well-being. The most common pollutants are carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and particulate matter.
1 – Treatment The roller shutter slats are treated with RegaCLEAN, an aqueous, photocatalytic formulation based on nanoscale titanium dioxide.
2 – Activation of the photocatalyst When UVA rays strike the roller shutter, the photocatalyst is activated and triggers a chemical reaction.
3 – Formation of oxydants This produces free electrons and positive charge carriers, which combine with water and oxygen from the air to form highly reactive oxidising agents.
4 – Removal of pollutants These oxidising agents convert harmful nitrogen oxides in the air into harmless water-soluble nitrates, thereby purifying the ambient air.
5 – Selfcleaning Organic matter, bacteria, fungi and viruses on the roller shutter curtain are broken down, and dirt particles slide off its surface. The main by-products are carbon dioxide and water.
6 – Clean air, sustainable benefits Photocatalysis can help to reduce indoor air pollutants and preserve the building’s value, whilst reducing maintenance costs.
1 m2 of a roller shutter treated with RegaCLEAN has the same filtering power as a tree with a round crown measuring 1 m in diameter.
Infographic : viz. bybraem/Marina Bräm