Japanese Companies Develop Air-Purifying Paper

Tokyo - Nippon Paper Industries Co. has partnered with Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun to developed newsprint coated with photocatalytic titanium oxide. When the paper is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays, it works to eliminate everyday odors such as tobacco smoke, sweat and pet odors. The companies say it is the world's first application of photocatalytic compounds to newspaper.

A problem existed with conventional technology because the photocatalytic reaction causes paper quality to deteriorate, but Nippon Paper Industries solved this problem and succeeded in achieving both an air purification effect and printability. The paper can endure high-speed printing by an offset rotary printing press, holds ink well, and can be used for flyers, posters and calendars.

Titanium oxide reacts as a photocatalyst under sunlight or fluorescent light, so it can decompose organic chemicals in the air such as formaldehyde, which can cause sick house syndrome. Titanium oxide is drawing attention as an effective photocatalyst due to its chemical stability and atmospheric neutrality.

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