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Gil BC, Borsoi G, Parracha JL, Dionísio A, Veiga R, Flores-Colen I. Effectiveness and durability of anti-graffiti products applied on ETICS: towards a compatible and sustainable graffiti removal protocol. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:65160-65176. [PMID: 37079227 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26889-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are widely used constructive solutions which aim at enhancing the building thermal performance. Nevertheless, ETICS can often present anomalies (e.g., stains and microcracks) throughout their service life, and vandalism actions, as in the case of graffiti, are rather common in urban areas. The removal of undesired graffiti is generally carried out through invasive chemical-mechanical methods, which may affect the durability of the ETICS. The adoption of anti-graffiti products can be a feasible protection method; however, no comprehensive studies were already addressed on these substrates. This study aims at evaluating the effectiveness, compatibility, and durability of three anti-graffiti products (with permanent, semi-permanent, and sacrificial properties) when applied on different ETICS. The removal of aerosol graffiti paints was carried out with a low-invasive and eco-friendly removal method (i.e., low-pressure steam jet). The water transport properties, as well as color, gloss, and roughness, were evaluated before and after graffiti removal. The durability of the anti-graffiti was also assessed by artificial aging cycles. Results showed that graffiti removal was rather efficient on ETICS with acrylic-based finishing coats and when using (semi) permanent anti-graffiti products (with ΔE*ab < 5, i.e., not macroscopically visible, when comparing cleaned and reference surfaces), although these products can reduce their effectiveness after aging. Conversely, unsatisfactory graffiti cleaning was observed on ETICS with lime-based or silicate-based finishing coats (with ΔE*ab > 5), with considerable alteration also of the water transport properties (reducing water absorption and slowing down the drying kinetic).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo Catita Gil
- DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Giovanni Borsoi
- CERIS, DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
- Buildings Department, LNEC, National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, Av. Do Brasil, 101, 1700-066, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - João Luís Parracha
- CERIS, DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
- Buildings Department, LNEC, National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, Av. Do Brasil, 101, 1700-066, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Amélia Dionísio
- CERENA, DER, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rosário Veiga
- Buildings Department, LNEC, National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, Av. Do Brasil, 101, 1700-066, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Flores-Colen
- CERIS, DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
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Costa RDFS, Barbosa MLS, Silva FJG, Sousa SR, Pinto AG, Sousa VFC, Ferreira BO. The Impact of the Deterioration on Wood by Chlorine: An Experimental Study. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:969. [PMID: 36769978 PMCID: PMC9918198 DOI: 10.3390/ma16030969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The use of disinfection and cleaning chemicals in several municipal facilities, such as swimming pools and drinking water treatment plants, causes the degradation of various types of wood, which leads to failures in equipment and the corresponding need for maintenance. This degradation creates added costs for municipalities, as well as the closure of certain facilities due to curative or preventive maintenance and, in many cases, public health issues, due to the water being contaminated with deteriorating products. Through a thorough study of the degradation effect on the products, more resistant materials can be found which are able to withstand these adversities and increase the lifespan of wood in regular contact with chemical agents. This is achievable by the determination of the cost-effectiveness of the substitute material to replace these components with alternative ones, with properties that better resist the deterioration effects promoted by aggressive environments. No studies have been found so far strictly focused on this matter. The objective of this study is to evaluate the degradation presented by two types of wood, beech and oak, which are exposed to the action of chlorine in municipal facilities. This degradation varies according to the chlorine content and the materials' time of contact with the chemical agent, allowing the selection of new materials which will provide an extended lifetime of the components, reducing maintenance drastically, as well as costs for the facilities and the risk to public health. The performed experimental tests have shown that the oak wood has the best results regarding chlorine degradation resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rúben D. F. S. Costa
- ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
- INEGI—Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Francisco J. G. Silva
- ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
- INEGI—Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana R. Sousa
- ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Vitor F. C. Sousa
- ISEP, Polytechnic of Porto, 4249-015 Porto, Portugal
- INEGI—Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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