Ceramic Tile Surfaces Research Articles

Smart optically active VO2 nanostructured layers applied in roof-type ceramic tiles for energy efficiency

The capability to control in an smart way the infrared reflectance to environmental temperature variations can be achieved with thermochromic materials like VO2. In this paper, we report the application of VO2 on ceramic tiles aiming to control the reflected infrared radiation on smart roofs and thus improving the energy efficiency, which is associated to the reduction of the carbon dioxide emissions. The VO2 nanoparticles have been produced by hydrothermal synthesis assisted by microwave irradiation, providing a new, quicker and cleaner production route. Afterwards, the VO2 nanoparticles were transferred to the surface of ceramic glassy tiles, which were prepared through dispersing the nanopowders in water and followed by spray coating with posterior annealing treatments in order to promote the surface adhesion as well as the stabilization of the material monoclinic phase. The VO2 transition temperature was controlled by doping with tungsten and a reduction from 69°C to 49°C was achieved. The superior thermochromic characteristics of VO2 nanoparticles in conjunction with this new application to a smart roof offers a great potential to regulate the energy in an intelligent way.

KİR TUTMAYAN SERAMİK DUVAR KAROLARI

Wettability of a solid surface is controlled by both surface chemical composition and surface topology. In order to obtain super hydrophobic surfaces the contact angle with water between the surfaces must be more than 150°. To reach super-hydrophobicity, a combination of surface roughness and low surface energy is required. In this study, surface of ceramic wall tiles produced by single firing process was coated with nano/sub-micron alumina-silicate powder. Super-hydrophobic surfaces are produced via two main approaches. One is to introduce roughness onto a hydrophobic surface. In this study, we focused on creating nano/sub-micron roughness on ceramic tile surface by using inorganic materials, followed by coating by alumina- silicate powder on the roughness surface. A coating of nano/sub-micron whisker-like mullite crystals on ceramic surfaces were produced by high energy ball milling of alumina-silica mixtures (600 rpm, 2 h). After milling, the mixture was coated with a pistol to the surface. Samples fired at 1000, 1100, 1125 and 1150°C, respectively. Surfaces of Fired samples were coated with a polymer and dried at 100°C for 1 h. It was observed that as the firing temperature increased, contact angle increased. Keywords: Wall tile , super-hydrophobic surface, mullite, microstructure, sintering

Can lip prints provide biologic evidence?

Background:Lip prints are unique and can be used in personal identification. Very few studies are available which establish them as biological evidence in the court of law. Thus, the objective of this study was to attempt to isolate DNA and obtain full short tandem repeat (STR) loci of the individual from the lip prints on different surfaces.Materials and Methods:Twelve lip prints were procured on different surfaces such as tissue paper, cotton cloth, ceramic tile, and glass surface. Latent lip prints were developed using fingerprint black powder. Lipstick-coated lip prints were also collected on the same supporting items. DNA was isolated, quantified, and amplified using Identifiler™ kit to type 15 STR loci.Results:Ample quantity of DNA was extracted from all the lip print impressions and 15 loci were successfully located in seven samples. Fourteen loci were successfully typed in 3 lip impressions while 13 loci were typed in 2 samples.Conclusion:This study emphasizes the relevance of lip prints at the scene of crime. Extraction of DNA followed by typing of STR loci establishes the lip prints as biological evidence too. Tissue papers, napkins, cups, and glasses may have imprints of the suspect's lips. Thus, the full genetic profile is extremely useful for the forensic team.

Diphenylpyrimidinone–salicylideneamine – new ESIPT based AIEgens with applications in latent fingerprinting

Green fluorescent aggregates of diphenylpyrimidinone–salicylideneamine show AIE + ESIPT in 99% H2O:CH3CN for the visualization of fingerprints on aluminium, steel, glass, ceramic tile and metal coin surfaces.

DESCRIPTIVE MODEL OF SLIDING FRICTION PROCESSES

Paper analyses the sliding friction coefficient of rubber on concrete, timber and ceramic tile surfaces depending on the weight of the sliding object and contact surface area. It has been established that increase in the weight of the object makes sliding friction coefficient to grow. In the case of increase in size of contact area, sliding friction coefficient between rubber and concrete also increases, but it decreases between rubber- timber and rubber- tile. The mathematical model for description of sliding friction process has been developed which can be used to determine optimal surface area and a pattern as well as optimal weight of the sliding object in order to provide sufficient sliding friction. Model has five independent constants. It includes the contact surface area, the weight and the velocity of the sliding object, sliding friction coefficient, temperature and time.

Non-destructive decontamination of building materials

Abstract For nondestructive radiation decontamination of surfaces it is necessary to use varnishes, such as ARGONNE, DG1101, DG1108, etc. This text evaluates the use of manufactured strippable coatings for radiation decontamination. To evaluate decontamination capability of such coatings the following varnishes were selected and subsequently used: AZ 1-700 and AXAL 1807S. The varnishes were tested on different building materials surfaces contaminated by short-term radioisotopes of Na-24 or La-140, in water soluble or water insoluble forms. Decontamination quality was assessed by the decontamination efficiency value, defined as the proportion of removed activity to the applied activity. It was found that decontamination efficiency of both used varnishes depends not only on the form of contaminant, but in the case of application of AXAL 1807S varnish it also depends on the method of its application on the contaminated surface. The values of the decontamination efficiency for AZ1-700 varnish range from 46% for decontamination of a soluble form of the radioisotope from concrete surface to 98% for the decontamination of a soluble form of the radioisotope from ceramic tile surface. The decontamination efficiency values determined for AXAL 1807S varnish range from 48% for decontamination of a soluble form of the radioisotope from concrete surface to 96% for decontamination of an insoluble form of the radioisotope from ceramic tile surface. Comparing these values to the values given for the decontaminating varnishes we can conclude that AXAL 1807S varnish is possible to use on all materials, except highly porous materials, such as plasterboard or breeze blocks, or plastic materials. AZ 1-700 varnish can be used for all dry materials except plasterboard.

Analysis of Surface Properties Determining Slip Resistance of Ceramic Tiles

Slip resistance tests of pavements form an important part of Construction Products Regulation (CPR) in the EU. Measuring slipperiness is a complex problem. This property is often incomplete or inaccurate. The paper presents new test results of glazed and unglazed ceramic tiles with natural, polished and textured surfaces tested in dry, wet and oily conditions. In the research 3 dierent methods of slip resistance tests were used providing the average angle of inclination, skid-resistance value and coecient of friction. The results show that surface roughness was also a significant factor aecting slipperiness. It is necessary to examine the structure of materials that is why measuring cleanability, as an important contributor to slip resistance and surface roughness, is fundamental in this research. Based on the experiments, it was found out that multiple cycles of sodium hypochlorite treatment could modify the surface of ceramic tiles.

Highly dispersed (Cr, Sb)-co-doped rutile pigments of cool color with high near-infrared reflectance

Highly dispersed (Cr, Sb)-co-doped rutile nonwhite pigments with high near-infrared (NIR) reflectance were prepared by introducing dispersants during precursor hydrolysis. The pigment properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and colorimetry. The pigments had rutile phase composition and narrow size distributions of 0.5 μm–1 μm after calcination at 700 °C. Co-doping with Cr and Sb restrained the generation of hexavalent chromium in the rutile lattice. The co-doped pigments had good color properties and high NIR reflectance because of the absence of Cr6+. The pigments had high tinting strength, and a good hue for PE flake was attained by adding 1% pigments. An approximately 10 °C decrease in temperature was obtained for the inner surface of ceramic tiles coated with the co-doped pigments under 30 min of irradiance.

Distribution of contact pressure over the surface of ceramic floor tiles during the polishing process

Abstract Assisted with computational simulation this work quantitatively determined the distribution of contact pressure over the surface of porcelain stoneware tiles during the industrial polishing process. In modern polishing lines there are basically three movements responsible for the scratching velocity and the position of the abrasives. Combining the kinematic equations obtained by these movements with a pre-existing model the contact pressure between abrasive tool and tile surface could be determined as function of time. The spatial distribution of average, standard deviation and maximum values of contact pressure were then obtained and mapped over the entire surface. The simulation results showed that the contact pressure tends to be 50% higher near to the center, in regions worked by the innermost abrasives. Additionally, periodical variations of up to 10% were found to occur due to the partial retreat of the abrasive tool.

Validation of the ANSR Salmonella method for detection of Salmonella spp. in a variety of foods. Performance Tested Method 061203.

This study represents a proposal to extend the matrix claims for the ANSR Salmonella test, Performance Tested Method 061203. The test is based on the nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR) isothermal nucleic acid amplification technology. The assay platform features simple instrumentation, minimal labor, and following a single-step 16-24 h enrichment (depending on sample type), an extremely short assay time of 30 min including sample preparation. Detection is real-time using fluorescent molecular beacon probes. ANSR Salmonella was originally validated for detection of Salmonella spp. in chicken carcass rinse, raw ground turkey, raw ground beef, hot dogs, and oat cereal, and on stainless steel, plastic, sealed concrete, ceramic tile, and rubber surfaces. The matrixes tested in this study include pet food, ice cream, soy flour, raw almonds, peanut butter, spinach, black pepper, raw frozen shrimp, cocoa powder, and pasteurized dried egg. In unpaired comparative testing there were no statistically significant differences in the number of positive results obtained with the ANSR and the reference culture methods. Enrichment for 16 h was effective for all commodities tested except ice cream, black pepper, dried pasteurized egg, and 375 g samples of dry pet food, for which enrichment for 24 h is indicated.

Brazed Diamond Micropowder Bur Fabricated by Supersonic Frequency Induction Heating for Precision Machining

The common brazed diamond micropowder bur fabricated in a vacuum furnace produces an even brazing alloy surface. The small brazed diamond grits show low outcropping from the brazing alloy surface, and the chip space between them is small. The bur shows a low grinding efficiency and poor heat dissipation. In this study, a brazed diamond micropowder bur was fabricated by supersonic frequency induction heating. The method afforded a fluctuant surface on the brazing alloy. The brazed diamond grits with an outcropping height distributed uniformly on the fluctuant surface. The fluctuant surface showed a certain chip space. These characteristics of the tool increased the grinding efficiency and decreased the temperature of the grinding arc area. The roughness R a of the ceramic tile surface trimmed by the tool cylinder was between 0.09 and 0.12 μm. In the first 90 min, the decrease in the weight of the ceramic tile ground by the tool cylinder was higher than that ground by the tool fabricated in a vacuum furnace. When the ceramic tile was cylindrically ground, the temperature of the grinding arc area measured using a thermocouple remained below 70 °C.

CPU, GPU and FPGA Implementations of MALD: Ceramic Tile Surface Defects Detection Algorithm

This paper addresses adjustments, implementation and performance comparison of the Moving Average with Local Difference (MALD) method for ceramic tile surface defects detection. Ceramic tile production process is completely autonomous, except the final stage where human eye is required for defects detection. Recent computational platform development and advances in machine vision provides us with several options for MALD algorithm implementation. In order to exploit the shortest execution time for ceramic tile production process, the MALD method is implemented on three different platforms: CPU, GPU and FPGA, and it is implemented on each platform in at least two ways. Implementations are done in MATLAB's MEX/C++, C++, CUDA/C++, VHDL and Assembly programming languages. Execution times are measured and compared for different algorithms and their implementations on different computational platforms.

Validation of the ANSR® Listeria Method for Detection of Listeria spp. in Environmental Samples

ANSR Listeria is a new diagnostic assay for detection of Listeria spp. in sponge or swab samples taken from a variety of environmental surfaces. The method is an isothermal nucleic acid amplification assay based on the nicking enzyme amplification reaction technology. Following single-step sample enrichment for 16-24 h, the assay is completed in 40 min, requiring only simple instrumentation. In inclusivity testing, 48 of 51 Listeria strains tested positive, with only the three strains of L. grayi producing negative results. Further investigation showed that L. grayi is reactive in the ANSR assay, but its ability to grow under the selective enrichment conditions used in the method is variable. In exclusivity testing, 32 species of non-Listeria, Gram-positive bacteria all produced negative ANSR assay results. Performance of the ANSR method was compared to that of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service reference culture procedure for detection of Listeria spp. in sponge or swab samples taken from inoculated stainless steel, plastic, ceramic tile, sealed concrete, and rubber surfaces. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and probability of detection models. Only one surface, stainless steel, showed a significant difference in performance between the methods, with the ANSR method producing more positive results. Results of internal trials were supported by findings from independent laboratory testing. The ANSR Listeria method can be used as an accurate, rapid, and simple alternative to standard culture methods for detection of Listeria spp. in environmental samples.

Classification of Ceramic Tiles by Identifying Defect on Ceramic Tile Surface Using Local Texture Feature

In ceramic tiles industry, the process of ceramics classification plays an important part. At present, the process of classification is carried out manually by using the human eyes observation. However, the capability of the human eyes is very limited. This condition leads to the low accuracy of the ceramic tile selection. This paper proposes a mechanism which could classify the ceramic tiles automatically using local texture feature. The result of our experiment shows a recognition rate of 76%, which means that this method can be used to classify the ceramic tiles.

Classification of Ceramic Tiles by Identifying Defect on Ceramic Tile Surface Using Local Texture Feature

Classification of Ceramic Tiles by Identifying Defect on Ceramic Tile Surface Using Local Texture Feature

Industrial Plant Application of Hydrophobic Coating on Tile Surface

Nowadays, ceramic tile surface properties such as easy to clean surface is highly demanded by the market. In order to design these new easy to clean-hydrophobic surfaces, nanomaterials and/or hybrid materials will be indispensable. At present, these novel materials are hardly used in ceramic tile manufacturing processes. It is therefore necessary to develop a completely new methodology in order to suitably choose, handle, and incorporate these materials into the ceramic tile surface with a view to obtaining the desired properties. The aim of this investigation was the industrialization of application of hydrophobic coating on tile surface by choosing appropriate tools and optimizing process parameters. Airtight mixing and spraying tank was designed to prevent gelation of hydrophobic solution during application. Then tile temperature and amount of solution was optimized. It has been observed that hydrophobic coating provide high contact angle without changing surface appearance of tiles.

Characterization of photocatalytically active coatings based on TiO2/Zn-Al layered double hydroxide on ceramic tiles

The self-cleaning function (photocatalytic activity and surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity) is of great importance for ceramic tiles from both economic and environmental point of view. This research is focused on the preparation of suitable photocatalytic suspensions studying the influence of the photocatalyst powder amount and the molecular mass of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the self-cleaning properties of the suspensions deposited on the ceramic tile surface. Photocatalysts based on Zn-Al double layered hydroxides with TiO2 as active component, were synthesized and used for the preparation of the suspensions. The coated tiles prepared using smaller photocatalyst amount and the highest investigated molecular mass of PEG (PEG 4000) showed the highest photocatalytic activity in the Rhodamine B degradation reaction, as well as the appropriate surface properties.

Self‐Cleaning and Antibacteric Ceramic Tile Surface

The aim of this investigation was the surface functionalization of industrial ceramic tiles by sol‐gel technique to improve at the same time the cleanability and the antibacterial activity of surfaces. This objective was pursued through the design and preparation of nanostructured titania‐silver coating that was deposited on glazed, unglazed, and polished tiles by air‐brushing. The obtained results showed that the applied coatings are transparent, show a good adhesion, and a remarkable antibacterial activity under the tested conditions. The surface photocatalicity was optimized with the higher thermal treatments (200°C) even if photodegradation process is clearly affected by the sample surface roughness.

Environmental risk assessment of radon from ceramic tiles

Radon-222 exhalation from different ceramic tiles depends upon the radium (226 Ra) concentration and porosity. Raw zirconium sand is one of the substances widely used in the ceramic industry and it is naturally radioactive. This can produce unjustified concern and subsequently perturb the market of these products. The radon exhalation rates for all ceramic tile companies were in the ranges 28-44 mBq.m-2 .h-1 and 2.0 to 4.8 mBq.kg-1 .h-1 . The porosity of ceramic tiles is in the range 0.19-0.28. The radium activity of ceramic tiles was found to be in the range 16-38 Bq.kg-1 for the glazed surface and 23-64 Bq.kg-1 for the clay surface, respectively. The average equivalent dose in contact with the ceramic surface was found to be 22 mSv.y-1 . The exposure at working level at the ceramic tile surface was in the range 2.4-3.8 WL. This gives a risk indication to people who spend a long time in closed ceramic tile stores, who should avoid staying for a long time in such places.

Preparation of nitrogen co-doped SiO2/TiO2 thin films on ceramic with enhanced photocatalytic activity under visible-light irradiation

In this study, we have successfully deposited N-doped SiO2/TiO2 thin films on ceramic tile substrates by sol–gel method for auto cleaning purpose. After dip coating and annealing process the film was transparent, smooth and had a strong adhesion on the ceramic tile surface. The synthesised catalysts were then characterised by using several analytical techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis). The analytical results revealed that the optical response of the synthesised N-doped SiO2/TiO2 thin films was shifted from the ultraviolet to the visible light region. The nitrogen substituted some of the lattice oxygen atoms. The surface area of co-doped catalyst increased, and its photocatalytic efficiency was enhanced. The photocatalytic tests indicated that nitrogen co-doped SiO2/TiO2 thin films demonstrated higher than of the SiO2/TiO2 activity in decolouring of methylene blue under visible light. The enhanced photocatalytic activity was attributed to an increasing of the surface area and a forming of more hydroxyl groups in the doped catalyst.