Photocatalytic performance and acoustic absorption of TiO2 nanoparticle-coated mineral wool

Abstract

Science and technology, the use of tools and various instruments in the production process and exposure of workers to different damaging elements, such as sound, harmful gas and vapors have led to ever-increasing attention to the worker’s occupational health as the main asset in the industrial sector. This study aimed to determine the effects of covering titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the normal sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of mineral wool absorbent and its photocatalytic efficiency. Titanium dioxide (5%) solution was sprayed onto the mineral wool absorbent and dried Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) was selected as the sample pollutant. The effect of MEK concentration, rate of TiO 2 loading in photocatalytic efficiency, and the impact of TiO 2 nanoparticles in the SAC were evaluated. The mean values of photocatalytic efficiency were 34.23% and 22.59% at 100 and 150 ppm concentrations, respectively. When the amount of TiO 2 increased from 422.8 mg to 868.9 mg, the elimination efficiency at the end of 240 min increased from 30.43% to 49.97%. The highest effect of coating TiO 2 on the mineral wool absorbent in SAC was obtained in low frequencies. Generally, TiO 2 nanoparticles coated on the mineral wool absorbent were effective not only in eliminating gaseous methyl ethyl ketone but also in reducing sound, especially in low frequencies.