 Introduction
Ceramic surfaces are undoubtedly the oldest artificial surfaces known to man. It is such an old material that it has now come into common use and is no longer perceived as an artificial product and thus subject to continuous possible improvements. For many years the ceramic surface was mainly given an aesthetic function, the only technical factor really furthered and considered was surface hardness. In the last few years, also thanks to its increasing popularity, indeed annual world production has reached nearly 7 billion square metres, there has been a progressive increase of studies on how to make ceramic surfaces more functional.
It is expected that in the next few years, thanks to nanodeposition techniques, it will be possible to obtain characteristics which are as yet unthinkable, like thermochromic surfaces capable of changing colour with changes of temperature, self-cleaning surfaces, complete noise absorption surfaces, surfaces capable of varying and reflecting a sound wave by modifying it, etc. etc.
With the aim of providing a service for keeping its customers abreast of technological development, Metco has opened a section of research on the functions of the ceramic surfaces.
Many research projects are in progress, from nanolayer analysis systems to application systems, from analysis of the rheological properties of the products to apply, to the analysis of the surface properties of the products themselves
Initial results are promising because two products which the market has been crying out for have already reached the distribution phase.
Products for reducing surface staining
Products for making the ceramic surface bactericidal |
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