Essroc Cement Corp. has begun North American production of TX Active. The product line consists of two key products: TX Arca cement, which provides concrete with a self-cleaning benefit and TX Aria cement, which provides concrete with the added ability to mitigate environmental pollution. The science behind the products is based upon utilizing a hydraulic binder with photocatalytic properties that render concrete self-cleaning and/or pollution-mitigating.

Essroc's TX Active technology will impact concrete construction in several ways. Through photocatalysis, TX Arca reduces the maintenance requirements for concrete structures or buildings by destoying most organic and inorganic pollutants that come into contact with the concrete surface and cause discoloration. In addition to this self-cleaning benefit, TX Aria effectively destroys airborne pollutants, which are responsible for urban organic pollution.

The technology for TX Active was developed through a decade of research by Italcementi's Technical Research Center in Bergamo, Italy and was highlighted in the Dives in Misericordia church in Rome, designed by Richard Meier and completed in 2003.

Concrete applications for TX Active technology include vertical, horizontal, structural, architectural precast concrete, plasters and coatings, concrete blocks, median barriers, retaining walls, concrete paving/roads and cementitious tiles.

Photocatalysis is receiving much attention from both researchers and industry expertsbecause of the beneficial effects it has on air and water purification and for its antibacterial properties. The development of new applications exploiting such technology has recently grown worldwide. The first products featuring photocatalytic properties were launched on the Japanese market and included self-cleaning items (lamps, car coatings and construction materials), antifog products (mirrors and glass),anti-bacterial products (tiles and fibers), air purifiers, etc.

For more facts on this cement and its properties, click on to TX Active  Product Data Sheet.