Lead-free Low-Melting-point Glass As Bonding Agent for TiO2 Nanoparticles

This work is a study of the properties of TiO2-anatase nanoparticles attached by a low-melting point inorganic glass (530 degrees C). Unlike other low-melting glasses, this composition does not contain any toxic metal. Likewise, it shows an excellent wettability on ceramic nanoparticles. A small addition of 5 vol% of glass remarkably enhances the mechanical strength of the composites with respect to pure TiO2 calcined at the same temperature, becoming twice this value. Self-cleaning properties analyzed using the methylene blue 385 nm UV-A photodegradation test showed that, after different UV-light periods, the photo-efficiency of TiO2-anatase was not altered by the presence of this glass.