Accelerating Water Dispersion for Safer Self-Cleaning Roadways

Much like the skin of gecko lizards, PCT-treated surfaces shed water for rapid displacement of skid-creating conditions from rain to ice to snow. When pavements treated with TiO2 are exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV), rain disperses more rapidly in comparison with untreated pavements, significantly reducing precipitation build-up and absorption that can otherwise critically damage roadways, runways, and highly vulnerable longitudinal joints and rumble strips on highways.

Quick-drying pavements also help promote safer driving conditions by reducing hydroplaning and precipitation-related visibility impairment, while discouraging ice formation. TiO2-treated pavements are self-cleaning and stormwater purifying, helping to mitigate mold and bacteria growth on asphalt and concrete infrastructure. They also help decompose microplastics such as tire-wear debris.

Because TiO2 is strongly attracted to water when polarized by UV, water molecules on the surface split, dispersing water into thin films and inhibiting the formation of agglomerated droplets that might otherwise create ponding or, in low temperature conditions, deadly ice formation.

Super-Hydrophilic TiO2 Rapidly Displaces Surface Water

Water droplets on surfaces treated with TiO2 are activated into a super-hydrophilic state when exposed to UV, causing the molecules to split and more rapidly disperse.
Water droplets on surfaces treated with TiO2 are activated into a super-hydrophilic state when exposed to UV, causing the molecules to split and more rapidly disperse.

PROVEN: Water Contact Angle Test

By exposing a PCT-treated pavement to UV illumination, the water contact angle of the TiO2-bearing surface can be observed to accelerate surface water dispersion by as much as five times, in comparison with an untreated substrate.
By exposing a PCT-treated pavement to UV illumination, the water contact angle of the TiO2-bearing surface can be observed to accelerate surface water dispersion by as much as five times, in comparison with an untreated substrate.

PROVEN: Super-Hydrophilic Surfaces Promote Skid Resistance1

Super-Hydrophilic Surfaces Promote Skid Resistance