Nippon Steel Corporation (Nippon Steel) has developed photocatalytic steel sheet that provides a health-promoting antiviral effect by using titanium oxide, and is now proceeding with the study of commercialization.
The antiviral testing of the steel sheet was conducted by an external testing organization and confirmed an inactivation effect against the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Nippon Steel foresees use of this type of steel as a new way whereby steel creates value for society and human health.
The antiviral testing was performed by applying the industry standard JIS R 1756, using Nippon Steel’s existing hairline-finished electroplated steel sheet, FeLuceTM, to which was added a photocatalytic function. The test showed that over 99.8%2 of virus on the steel sheet was inactivated at a 500 lx illuminance level with four hours of illumination. Even in a dark place, over 99.3%2 of virus was inactivated. These results confirmed the antiviral property of the sheet, as antiviral steel sheet that has a hybrid function, against the coronavirus.
The test shows that the photocatalytic steel sheet has promise as a measure against the coronavirus. We are experiencing an increase in the need for infection control and hygiene related to products that may be touched by the general public or in places where virus-laden droplets and aerosol particles may spread and constitute a health risk. Nippon Steel’s photocatalytic steel sheet can be used as a material that provides additional safety and reassurance for interiors of offices, hospitals, schools, and care facilities, as well as public restrooms, elevators, partitions, and display racks.
Nippon Steel’s development team is also working on adding a photocatalytic function to various surface treated steel sheets other than FeLuceTM (Silver finish), with the aim of commercializing a group of photocatalytic functional steel sheets within this fiscal year (ending March 2022).
In its pursuit of world-leading technology and manufacturing capabilities, Nippon Steel will continue to contribute to the development of society through activities that are consistent with the “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations, “ensuring the health and welfare of all people”.
Courtesy of Nippon Steel.