Self-Filtering Structural Paint Active Agent Production from Natural Resources Filters and filter systems are mechanisms that function as strainers against external factors, enabling preventive measures. These systems are used in industry both as mechanical systems and as materials. Particularly in industrial applications, filter powdered materials are added to paints for various purposes in building chemicals. In this study, zeolite, calcite, hydroxyapatite, clay, graphene, meerschaum and bentonite were homogeneously mixed and combined with pre-melted polyoxymethylene (POM), frozen, subjected to sintering, and converted to powder form with the aid of a crusher, making it suitable for addition to paints. When the obtained active agent is added to structural paint, it will be capable of trapping cigarette smoke and toxic gases in the environment, thereby purifying the space and protecting human health.

1. Introduction

Filter systems provide separation and cleaning functions by passing external factors through various mechanical, physical or biological processes. These systems have become a frequently preferred technique in industry. They are particularly preferred for filtering all harmful components that threaten human health. However, as filter systems prove insufficient and can result in high costs, their potential for preference has diminished. Worldwide research has accelerated on obtaining filter agents from natural decomposers, particularly from products that can become waste in the environment. Our research team also has ongoing work on natural filters. Particularly during the pandemic, virus-trapping mask filters were provided using products obtained from polylactic acid (PLA) polymer with activated carbon via the electrospinning method. With N99 mask properties, while blocking virus and bacterial passage, it was observed that other foreign substances were also filtered. Building on this, we directed our work toward imparting this property to structural paints. The purpose of structural paints is to provide aesthetic appearance in exterior and interior facade systems, resistance to moisture and humidity, insulation, waterproofing and other properties. However, even though many new studies are advancing in this field today, it is desired to impart properties to paints through alternative solutions containing natural materials. This way, high performance will be achieved in structural paints. Zeolite material has a porous structure capable of offering filter properties for harmful objects from external sources. Clay is a natural material capable of providing heat absorption. Calcite is actually calcium carbonate material that can be extracted from eggshells to sea shells, marble powder and from nature, particularly found as a natural absorbent in Niğde Province. Hydroxyapatite is a bone material based on calcium and phosphate. Like zeolite, it has a porous structure and is also a natural absorbent. Cigarette smoke and toxic agents have a system capable of being trapped. It can be obtained from eggshells, sea shells and structures that are natural sources of calcium. Graphene is a layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice with single-atom thickness that not only provides good thermal insulation but is a material with high filter properties. Meerschaum is a natural material particularly extracted in Eskişehir Province, especially capable of filtering cigarette smoke. It can filter the poison in cigarettes. Bentonite is a material used as a binder in the construction sector. While used for heat insulation, it is also used for absorbent purposes. POM polymer, also known as polyacetal in industry, is an engineering thermoplastic used in precision parts requiring high hardness, low friction and excellent dimensional stability. The polymer powder serves as an adhesive with sectoral application purpose, contributing to holding the powders together. This is particularly significant for our study. Since it will be added to paint as an active agent, providing adhesion is important. By holding the powders together when added to paint, it will ensure they do not settle to the bottom, prevent clumping and provide equal distribution everywhere, thus imparting superior performance to the paint. Cigarette smoke generation spreads in the environment as a result of smoking and remains particularly over time due to persistent odor penetration into the environment. Whatever object is in the environment, it penetrates onto it. Again, another harmful agent is toxic gases, with the wood industry serving as an example of such gases. In addition to poisoning, these gases can be flammable. Filter systems can prove insufficient in such facilities. In this study, a polymer-based active agent containing natural materials was obtained and added to paints, imparting the property of being able to clean external factors such as cigarette smoke and toxic gases.

2. Materials and Methods – Materials Used

Zeolite, calcite, hydroxyapatite, clay, graphene, meerschaum, bentonite and polyoxymethylene (POM) were used.

Method

Each powder was separately weighed at 10-25 grams. It was placed in an eccentric mixer. Paraffin wax lubricant was added at 1% concentration and mixing was performed at 200 rpm overnight. Following the operation, the mixed powder was loaded into a system. At the bottom, POM polymer was heated to molten form. While air flow was applied to the powders located at the top, it was sprayed onto a substrate after being passed through Tween 80 surfactant. Following the spraying operation, the powders were allowed to dry at room temperature and the powders were recollected and passed through the POM melt to provide coating and subjected to sintering furnace to obtain a homogeneously coated core-shell interaction natural material containing paint active agent with POM coating inside and outside. Production stages are shown in Figure 2.1.

3. Results and Discussion

Figure 3.1 shows particle production images. Particles in the 35-200 nanometer range were obtained with the equipment. Spherical form particles were successfully produced.

4. Conclusions

The active agent was successfully produced and prepared for addition to paints. In addition to being capable of trapping cigarette smoke and toxic gases, it can also demonstrate thermal insulation properties. When industrial application is targeted, an active agent with ideal properties providing added value has been obtained.   References Buluş, E., Buluş, G. S., & Yakuphanoglu, F. (2020). Production of polylactic acid-activated charcoal nanofiber membranes for COVID-19 pandemic by electrospinning technique and determination of filtration efficiency. Journal of Materials and Electronic Devices, 4(1), 21-26. Gao, L., Cao, Y., Zhou, S. L., Zhuang, T. T., Wang, Y., & Zhu, J. H. (2009). Eliminating carcinogenic pollutants in environment: Reducing the tobacco specific nitrosamines level of smoke by zeolite-like calcosilicate. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 169(1-3), 1034-1039.   Erdi Buluş Lecturer / Materials Technology Specialist Istanbul Arel University ArelPOTKAM (Polymer Technologies and Composite Application and Research Center) Department of Transportation Services Civil Aviation Cabin Services Program, Vocational School   Gülseren Sakarya Buluş Specialist Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate Bahçeşehir University Department of Engineering Management Graduate Education Institute