In an era where health, hygiene, and environmental quality are paramount, a groundbreaking technology known as Active Surfaces is redefining the capabilities of porcelain panels and tiles. Developed in Italy, Active Surfaces is a photocatalytic application that permanently fuses titanium dioxide and silver to porcelain, transforming it into a remarkably interactive and beneficial surface. This innovative skin allows porcelain to actively improve its environment, offering a range of benefits that go far beyond mere aesthetics.
The Science Behind the Surface
Active Surfaces are created by fusing a combination of titanium dioxide and silver onto porcelain panels and tiles through a secondary firing process. This creates an invisible and permanent surface at a micro level, ensuring it does not affect the aesthetics of the tile. When in the presence of light, this combination initiates a photocatalytic process that delivers an incredible response. As it is fused through heat and pressure, it behaves naturally, posing no danger to humans or animals and is noted as being inert to humans.
Unprecedented Health Benefits
One of the most compelling advantages of Active Surfaces is its profound impact on health and hygiene:
- Antiviral and Antibacterial Shield: Active Surfaces provides a permanent antiviral and antibacterial shield. It actively kills virus particles and bacteria, including highly resistant strains such as MRSA and E. Coli. Notably, it has demonstrated the ability to eliminate 94% of SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19) after only four hours of exposure to low-intensity UV light (natural light and traditional light bulbs). It is also certified against other well-known viral strains like H1N1 and H3N2 Pandemic Influenzas, Enterovirus 71, and Poliovirus.
- Effective in All Lighting Conditions: Unlike some inferior products, Active Surfaces works effectively in all common indoor lighting conditions – in sunlight, under UV light, under LED light, and even in complete darkness. Tests have shown a significant reduction in bacteria (E. Coli and MRSA) even when left in the dark for eight hours. This makes it a superior product compared to other antibacterial surface coatings that may not work in the dark or under LED light.
- Reduces Cross-Contamination: These properties are particularly beneficial in hospitals and medical centres, where Active Surfaces can significantly reduce cross-contamination. For all environments, it mitigates the risk of infection and reduces the need for intensive antibacterial detergents.
Improving Air Quality and Maintenance
Beyond its antimicrobial properties, Active Surfaces contributes to healthier environments in other significant ways:
- Antipollution: It actively degrades airborne pollutants such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and all Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), effectively cleaning the air around it. When a building is clad with Active Surfaces, it destroys pollution by taking it into the surface and reducing it through a photocatalytic process.
- Anti-Odour: Active Surfaces degrades and destroys odorous molecules, thereby eliminating unpleasant smells.
- Self-Cleaning: The material is hydrophilic, meaning it “loves water”. This property, combined with its photocatalytic nature, allows the building to clean itself as water (like rain) washes away the reduced pollution. This significantly reduces or eliminates the need for detergents or physical cleaning, even for building façades, offering ease of maintenance.
Versatile Applications Across All Spaces
Active Surfaces can be applied to any Fiandre tile or panel, including large porcelain panels (Maximum range) and regular tile sizes. This means its benefits extend to a wide range of applications, both inside and outside:
- Interiors: Ideal for kitchen benchtops, kitchen splashbacks, all bathroom surfaces, and living floors in residential homes. Commercially, it’s perfect for building interiors, bathrooms, and lobby floors. It provides a non-toxic, easy-to-maintain surface for offices, hotels, and residential buildings, supporting sustainability and wellbeing.
- Exteriors: Its anti-pollution and self-cleaning properties make it an incredible façade material for external cladding, offering a low-maintenance surface for any building.
A Revolutionary and Sustainable Choice
Artedomus positions Active Surfaces as a revolutionary product and the only porcelain product on the market certified as antiviral. It is a permanent solution that cannot wear out or wear off because it is fused to the porcelain surface through a secondary firing process. Furthermore, the porcelain itself is made from 100% natural materials with no toxic resins or chemical binders, mirroring how stone forms in nature. This natural composition, combined with the innovative Active Surfaces treatment, provides outstanding environmental credentials and contributes to a “healthy building” environment, potentially leading to less sick leave and greater productivity in commercial settings.
Active Surfaces is available on the majority of Maximum 12mm and 20mm porcelain panel ranges, as well as other Fiandre porcelain products. It delivers incredible health benefits and contributes to a cleaner, healthier life for all.