Abstract

Methods of destroying toxic volatile air-borne toxins are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a piece of formaldehyde laden wood substrate such as paneling or furniture is treated with a TiO.sub.2 solution to form a thin and translucent veneer on the surface. This layer acts like a membrane preventing outward transport of formaldehyde and other harmful compounds produced by weatherization and natural degradation of the substrate. In a prefered embodiment the photocatalytic destruction of formaldehyde is achieved. Other toxins destroyed include terpenes and other types of toxic volatile organic compounds(VOCs). While the prefered embodiment is applied to wood based supports such as paneling and furniture, the invention has applicability for other surfaces such as caskets and roof shingles. For example, the TiO.sub.2 coating can be used on flexible paper type face masks in order to destroy air-borne toxic compounds such as formaldehyde and the like that are used in medical environments

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 5,604,339

Application Serial Number

08/403,305

Issue Date

2-18-1997

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC)

Department

FSEC

Allowance Date

8-7-1996

Filing Date

3-14-1994

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

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