Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. of Japan, a core member of the Matsushita Group, on December 1, 2005 launched sales of a new type of ceiling material that contains a photocatalyst. This new material can absorb and decompose formaldehyde, odors and stains by means of the photocatalyst, which reacts to natural light in the room. It also has a humidity adjusting function.

The material is produced by adding a photocatalyst to an existing type of ceiling material. This former material has a humidity adjusting function and has been on the market since February 2003. The new material can degrade formaldehyde into water and carbon dioxide when the photocatalyst coating on the surface of the base material is exposed to natural light, even when there are few ultraviolet rays. During the night, a chemical absorbent in the material absorbs formaldehyde.

According to theoretical figures on the product's capacity to absorb and decompose formaldehyde, it can more than halve the amount present, from 0.08 parts per million to 0.02-0.04 parts per million, in about 12 hours, given periodic ventilation once every two hours.

The base material made of acoustical board has a humidity adjusting function as well and thus reduces indoor condensation. It also has fire-retardant, sound absorbing and thermal insulation properties.

http://panasonic-denko.co.jp/e/corp/csr/

Posted: 2006/04/20 11:01:15 AM
Japanese version

TAG Chemicals , Eco-product/Business , Manufacturing industry