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| Q: What is photocatalytic
ARC-FLASH? |
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| A:
Photocatalysts facilitate chemical
reactions by absorbing light, in contrast to other catalysts, which
use heat. In the natural world, photosynthesis is a well-known example
of photocatalysis. The main photocatalytic substances are semiconductors
and organometallic complexes (pigments), both of which act as photocatalysts
when their internal electrons are excited by light. Among these substances,
titanium dioxide is especially well known as a photocatalyst. ARC-FLASH
is a product that is able to bind to surfaces. It was developed to
afford various applications of photocatalytic titanium dioxide in
daily life. |
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| Q: What effects does
photocatalytic ARC-FLASH have? |
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| A: Superoxides
and hydroxyl radicals, which are forms of active oxygen, are generated
on a surface treated with ARC-FLASH when UV rays are absorbed and
electrons are excited, and organic matter (germs and substances responsible
for foul odors) that comes into contact with the surface is oxidized,
broken down and removed. By this, sterilization, deodorization, antifouling
and removal of pollutants can be achieved. Moreover, as UV rays are
part of sunlight and fluorescent light, no special operating costs
are required and the reaction can be maintained semi-permanently. |
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| Q: Why is photocatalytic
ARC-FLASH semi-permanent? |
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| A:
ARC-FLASH is quick drying. Although
it is originally water-soluble, it dries quickly after application
and becomes water-insoluble. It also becomes as hard as a 4H pencil
in ten to fourteen days after application. It does not come off unless
the surface is polished. Even a bathroom can be used immediately after
application. Because titanium oxide is merely the catalyst and is
not changed, its effect is semi-permanent except when walls and ceilings
are repainted. |
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| Q: Is photocatalytic
ARC-FLASH safe for humans? |
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A: ARC-FLASH
is composed of titanium dioxide and a water-based binder. Titanium
dioxide is water-insoluble and designated as a food additive under
an ordinance of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (as of November
28, 1989, issued to prefectural governments, mayors of ordinance-designated
cities and heads of special wards as a notice from the Director of
Environmental Health Bureau, Ministry of Health and Welfare).
There is no problem with the water-based binder, as it becomes water-insoluble
after drying. Dissolution test data were examined in accordance with
the Ministry of Health and Welfare's standards for equipment, containers
and packaging. Please refer to the test results, which are presented
in the third-party test data section.
Concerning questions about the effects of active oxygen on humans,
the active oxygen generated on a photocatalytic surface does not separate
from the surface or disperse into the air. There is no risk of inhalation.
Indeed, organic matter must come into contact with the photocatalytic
surface. Air circulation contributes greatly to its effect. Decomposed
substances do not turn into more toxic substances. The phenomenon
of choking on the side of material to be coated does not occur for
ARC-FLASH. |
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