WHAT IS PORCELAIN STONEWARE?

Porcelain stoneware is a type of ceramic made of hard, solid, non-porous body. The word “stoneware” means that the ceramic mass of the tile is extremely vitrified, solid in fact, making it exceptionally tough. The result is obtained by using a body with several components, baked at a temperature over 1200 C, until it reaches a non-porous, waterproof state of vitrification.

Porcelain stoneware is the material that stands out for having the lowest water absorption values, meaning the quantity of water that, under certain conditions, the tile can absorb. Also from this feature (which is one of the two parameters on which the EN ISO regulations classification is based) comes the highest degree of resistance to bending, meaning the maximum amount of stress that the material can withstand before breaking, when subjected to an increasing bending action. Among the most salient features of porcelain stoneware, is the fact that it also has an extremely high resistance to abrasion, meaning how well the surface can withstand actions linked to the movement of bodies, surfaces or materials that come into contact with it.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CERAMICS AND PORCELAIN STONEWARE

There are numerous ceramic materials, each with very precise features and intended uses: terracotta, clinker, single-fired tiles, double-fired tiles and porcelain stoneware.

Technically, the UNI regulations define the highest quality porcelain stoneware as the ceramic with a water absorption coefficient of less than 0.5% (the regulation of reference is EN 14411 ISO 13006 B1a – ISO 13006).

Fine quality clay and feldspars are subjected to a baking process at extremely high temperatures (over 1200 ° C.) and they are transformed into stoneware tiles with features including frost resistance and resistance to shocks, scratches and chemical aggression.

Porcelain stoneware is therefore extremely tough, hygienic and has an elegant appearance thanks to its glazed surface, which makes the tile completely waterproof and gives it features of high mechanical strength.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CERAMICS AND PORCELAIN STONEWARE?

• Porcelain stoneware tiles have a glassy structure thanks to the high baking temperature (over 1200 C°). This makes the porcelain stoneware more solid with low water absorption and with high-level technical features.
• Porcelain stoneware thus stands out thanks to its high surface hardness, high load resistance and high resistance to wear.
• Because of its much lower water absorption value, porcelain stoneware is the most suitable ceramic material for outdoor use.

ADVANTAGES OF PORCELAIN STONEWARE

1. 1. Shock and stress resistant
   2. Resistant to wear
   3. Scratch resistant
   4. Frost resistant
   5. Resistant to chemical aggression
   6. Stain resistant

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