Porcelainized stoneware: architectural, processing and physico-mechanical properties

Abstract

Porcelainized stoneware is an extremely hard and homogeneous unglazed ceramic material obtained by fastfiring of kaolinitic ceramic bodies containing a large amount of fluxes. The obtained tiles, available in a large variety of colours, shape size and surface finish, are characterized by very low porosity (<0,3wt% expressed as water absorption) and are ideal for heavy-traffic areas subject to mechanical and chemical stresses. Porcelainized stoneware tiles offer alternative valid (and in many cases necessary) solutions to the traditional glazed tiles either for interiors or for exteriors both in modern or classic constructions for flooring and covering.