R02 / Surfaces and materials with useful functions

Self-Cleaning & Functional Materials

We explore self-cleaning coatings and related functional materials, including antibacterial systems. Our research connects composition and surface modification with photocatalytic activity, wetting behaviour, contaminant removal, and biological interactions, while examining compatibility with the intended substrate and application.

People in this direction

Muhamad Diki PermanaSenior Researcher Dina DwiyantiLab Administrator MartiningsihDoctoral student Faradisa Amalia WahyudiMaster’s student NadiaUndergraduate student

The questions behind the materials.

Self-cleaning and antibacterial functions extend the use of inorganic and hybrid materials beyond pollutant treatment in a reactor. This direction investigates how composition, surface properties, and material form influence these functions in coatings, textiles, composites, and related material systems.

Our published self-cleaning work includes TiO₂–natural silica composites on cotton and polyester. These studies connect photocatalytic activity with wetting behaviour and the evaluation of stain removal. Digital image-based colorimetry provides one way to follow changes in surface appearance during evaluation.

Related antibacterial research includes titania–silica and hydroxyapatite–TiO₂ systems, with current interests also extending to metal–organic frameworks. The antibacterial branch includes materials that are not necessarily coatings; each project defines its material form and biological target.

We seek to distinguish the processes responsible for a useful function, including photocatalytic transformation, changes in wetting, contaminant detachment, and antibacterial activity. Substrate compatibility, retention of function, and the conditions of evaluation are considered alongside initial performance. These questions connect surface chemistry with the design of materials for cleaner and more functional surfaces.

Research question

How do composition and surface properties govern self-cleaning and antibacterial functions?

Our objective: Connect material modification with surface function. Distinguish wetting effects from photocatalytic stain removal. Investigate antibacterial materials and evaluate function under the conditions relevant to each system.

Approaches in this direction

Surface & coating modificationPhotocatalytic self-cleaningWetting behaviourAntibacterial evaluationDigital image-based evaluation

Materials & systems

TiO₂–natural silica compositesCotton and polyester substratesHydroxyapatite–TiO₂ compositesMetal–organic frameworks for antibacterial applicationsrGO and polymethylsiloxane coatings