The Materials

TiO2 coated PTFE fabric is used for this custom shade structure, this particular fabric is something the Taiyo Group has developed through our research the Japanese based development department. This is the first time this fabric has been used by MakMax in Australia, with great success. Although PTFE fabric is a unique aspect of the project it also turned out to be the most challenging. Through trial and error MakMax developed a slightly altered manufacturing technique in order to yield the best result

The material chosen for this project was a Taiyo Group innovation, TiO2 (titanium Dioxide) which is a coating applied to some of the more common fabrics. TiO2 works though a photo catalytic reaction caused by the sunlight reacting with the titanium dioxide coating the reaction occurring between the contaminant and the surface of the fabric means dirt and contaminants don’t adhere to the surface easily. Membrane structures which utilse TiO_² coating technology promise enduring beauty, translucence and ‘as new’ appearances for many years.

When PTFE membranes are coated with titanium dioxide (TiO_²) photo-catalyst, they inherit self-cleaning properties that’s far superior to conventional membranes. It’s called the Photocatalytic Decomposition Process, a self cleaning action that occurs as the TiO_² causes any organic matter (stain or pollutant) to decompose through simple oxidation. The residue does not adhere to the surface and is washed away by water or rain. Known as the Photocatalytic Hydrophilic Process, The ‘sheeting’ action of water across the surface assures no unsightly streaking is left behind due to beading. PTFE and PVC membranes treated with TiO_² also remove significant volumes of nitrogen oxide (NOx) from the atmosphere.