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>> Ceramic Tile
A definition of tiles - Virtues and advantages of ceramic tiles
Ceramic
tiles are slabs of various formats and variable dimensions (sides of
lengths from a few centimetres to a metre and beyond, thicknesses from
5 to over 25 mm), made from mixtures of clay, sand, and other natural
substances fired at high temperatures. This mixture of materials
establishes the ceramic nature of the tiles. A very ancient
manufactured product, ceramic tiles are still used today in the most
modern and advanced applications.
The general properties of ceramic materials are: hardness, rigidity, fragility, and inertia.
The hardness
is a result of the reactions that occur during firing, creating a
compact structure and high internal cohesion, while the nature of the
chemical bonds ensure ceramic tiles an excellent breaking strength.
They are capable of supporting very high loads without deforming or
bending: they are therefore rigid. Another property associated with the ceramic nature of tiles is fragility,
which defines their behaviour in relation to impact. Moderately impact
resistant, ceramic tiles do not deform, unlike pliable materials.
Furthermore, the high temperatures of the ceramic production process
create a stable compound with almost zero reactivity to other
substances. Ceramic products are therefore defined as inert, in
other words they are insoluble and unalterable in contact with water
and with the majority of chemical substances. Even the heat of a fire
is unable to alter their composition.
A final word of advice: it
is important to remember that the undeniable qualities of ceramic
tiles, in particular their mechanical and chemical resistance, are
fully exploited and enhanced only if the tiled surface, the floors or
walls, are correctly designed and realized.
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