March 5, 2008

Using Light to Clean Walls: A New Approach to Fighting Pollution

Researchers at the University of Miami are testing an ecologically friendly self-cleaning paint that uses light to cleanse the environment

Coral Gables, FL (March 5, 2008)--University of Miami students at the College of Engineering will be working in a room surrounded by stark white walls covered with a self-cleaning paint. The idea is an experimental initiative designed to fit into the university’s commitment towards environmental sustainability on campus.

The self-cleaning paint being used in the College of Engineering is an ecologically friendly product that has the ability to keep walls clean and maintenance free by repelling dirt, smog, bacteria, algae and fungus that normally accumulates on surfaces, eliminating toxic odors, as well.

Dr. James Giancaspro, an assistant professor at the department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering has applied the innovative product on the walls of his research lab, where undergraduate and graduate students work. He is currently in the process of designing the methodology to monitor the anti-bacterial, anti-pollutant qualities of the paint.

This “EcoActive” product was developed by Global Engineering, the Italian company that made the product available to Dr. Giancaspro. Although the paint is widely used in Europe and Asia, this is the first time it is utilized in the United States.

The secret of how the paint works was discovered in the 1960s by Dr. Fujishima in Japan. He found that titanium dioxide crystals, stimulated by UV light, could break the molecules found in grime and organic matter necessary for bacteria to grow. This chemical process is called photocatalytic activity.

By using sunlight or a UV light, the self-cleaning paint breaks down pollutants that come in contact with the painted surface. The contaminants are then transformed into non-toxic molecules and reduced to such small quantities that they can no longer damage the surfaces.

Global Engineering plans to fund research of this paint at the University of Miami, which may lead to implementation of the product in the United States.

UM began its resolute dedication to the protection of the environment in 2005, when it launched GreenU, a program that puts in practice ideas that address concerns about the safety of the environment.  As part of the ongoing commitment towards the creation of a green campus, Donna E. Shalala, UM president, signed the Talloires Declaration of the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future and the American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment, during a historic ceremony in 2007.

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The University of Miami’s mission is to educate and nurture students, to create knowledge, and to provide service to our community and beyond. Committed to excellence and proud of the diversity of our University family, we strive to develop future leaders of our nation and the world.  www.miami.edu

Media Contact:
Marie Guma-Diaz
m.gumadiaz@miami.edu
305-284-5500