Structure and photocatalytic properties of the composite coating fabricated by detonation sprayed Ti powders

In the present study, composite coatings based on titanium oxides were successfully prepared using detonation spray coating process on two types of substrates: hot-rolled carbon steel and fine-grained hyperpressed concrete. The microstructure, phase composition and photocatalytic activity of these coatings were investigated. The structure of the coatings presents many lamellae piled up one upon another, and is composed of rutile, anatase, titanium oxide, and titanium. Coatings were studied for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants such as methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (RhB) under UV light. The photocatalytic activity of the composite coatings based on titanium oxides also was evaluated by changing the contact angle. The results showed that composite coatings based on titanium oxides have a high photocatalytic activity on surfaces of the hot-rolled carbon steel and fine-grained hyperpressed concrete. Taking into account the results presented in this work, it is expected that the produced coatings can later be used as effective photocatalysts and can become the basis for detonation deposition of protective self-cleaning composite coatings based on TiO2.