Porcelain ceramic is a category of ceramics that are produced under specific conditions of very high pressure and temperature. This type of ceramic, due to its unique production process, has distinctive characteristics, which will be discussed further.
The main material used in the production of porcelain ceramics is Chinese clay mixed with kaolin. This combination makes the ceramics highly resistant to extremely high and very low temperatures.
Natural stones that form deep within the earth under high pressure and temperature conditions sometimes lose their stability after being extracted and placed on the surface, and compared to man-made products, they may be less stable.
Porcelains are known as luxurious and modern ceramics that are produced using different methods compared to traditional ceramics. These different production methods result in a stronger type of ceramic.
Classification of Porcelain Ceramics
Porcelain ceramics can be classified based on two main criteria: the type of raw materials used in their construction and the type of surface coating applied.
In the classification based on the type of raw materials, porcelain ceramics are divided into three categories: hard-paste, soft-paste, and bone china. Hard-paste ceramics are made from a substance called feldspar and are fired at very high temperatures.
Soft-paste ceramics are similar in structure and composition to hard-paste types, with the difference that they are produced at lower temperatures.
Porcelain ceramics are divided into two main categories: soft-paste and hard-paste, each with its unique features. Soft-paste ceramic, due to the softer nature of its constituent material, is capable of being cut and is more flexible compared to the hard-paste type.
Conversely, hard-paste ceramics, due to their harder surface, do not easily accumulate dust and contaminants, making them easier to clean. This type of ceramic also has higher strength and is more resistant to impact and pressure.
In the not-so-distant past, by adding other materials to the original composition, bone china was produced, which has
higher transparency and resistance compared to other types of porcelain. This type of ceramic, due to its greater transparency and resistance, has a significant advantage.
Classification of Porcelain Ceramics Based on Coating
Porcelain ceramics are divided into two main categories based on the type of coating: glazed and polished. Initially, porcelain ceramics have a rough surface after coming out of the kiln, which makes them suitable for use in outdoor areas such as yards. However, this type of surface is less used in indoor environments.
Ceramics may be produced with or without glaze, and glazes can be patterned or plain. Applying glaze to ceramic requires an additional firing round in the kiln. Glazed ceramics are often glossy and non-porous, while unglazed ceramics may be matte and more porous.
When rough ceramics freshly out of the kiln are polished, polished ceramics result. These ceramics have open pores on their surface, which can be covered using nano coatings. Nano-polished ceramics have a very low absorption capacity, making them suitable for various environments.
Differences and Characteristics of Porcelain Ceramic
Advantages and Disadvantages of Porcelain Ceramic:
Porcelain ceramic, due to its high density and compact structure, offers significant resistance to abrasion, sunlight, and strong detergents. These characteristics make it ideal for use in high-traffic environments.
Another notable feature of porcelain ceramic is its resistance to discoloration caused by sunlight. While some stones may discolor under the influence of sunlight, porcelain has a unique reflectivity that helps prevent these changes. In addition, porcelain ceramic is resistant to the damaging effects of strong chemicals and certain types of harmful radiation, so it does not discolor and remains durable.
High Resistance to Water, Moisture, and Heat
Porcelain ceramics, due to their glossy surfaces, have very low water absorption, less than two percent, which makes cleaning them with water and liquid detergents in moist environments like kitchens, bathrooms, and washrooms possible without damaging the ceramic and reducing its lifespan.
Furthermore, due to being produced at high temperatures and pressures, porcelain ceramics have excellent resistance to heat and can maintain their shape in fire conditions. Therefore, they are often recognized as fire-resistant materials and perform well in emergency situations.
Stunning Beauty
Porcelain ceramics are recognized as one of the types of modern and luxurious ceramics that have unique and eye-catching beauty, especially in glazed and patterned samples.
These ceramics are available in a wide variety of designs and colors, including wood, metal, and appearances similar to natural stones. Additionally, this category of ceramics can be custom ordered in desired dimensions and sizes, providing an excellent solution for the interior design of homes and commercial spaces according to customer needs.
Environmentally Friendly and Biodegradable
Porcelain ceramics are produced using natural and raw materials, making them biodegradable and environmentally friendly. This characteristic has increased the popularity of these types of ceramics.
High Durability and Easy Maintenance
Porcelain ceramics are made from natural, high-quality materials that have a high density and a smooth, glossy surface, which helps prevent scratches and easy wear. Due to very low moisture absorption, these ceramics can be washed with any type of detergent. Since these ceramics are typically produced in large sizes, they have fewer seams, which in turn helps maintain low moisture absorption.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Ceramics
High Weight
Porcelain ceramics, due to their high density, also have a significant weight. This feature, especially in ceramics of large sizes, makes their transport and installation difficult, and if repair or relocation is needed, the process becomes harder.
High Cost
The price of porcelain ceramics is higher compared to other types of ceramics, which is due to their superior quality and excellent characteristics.
Applications of Porcelain Ceramics
Porcelain ceramics are used in various environments, including in bathrooms, kitchen countertops, kitchen sinks, interior and exterior facades, stairs, floors of reception areas, and many other places.
Advantages of Porcelain Products:
Exceptionally high resistance to wear and moisture.
Very low water absorption, less than 0.5 percent, with high resistance to freezing.
Excellent chemical resistance and stain resistance.
Easy maintenance and hassle-free cleaning.
Stunning, beautiful, and magnificent appearance.
Ideal for use in high-traffic environments.
Wide variety in styles and designs.
Color stability against sunlight and environmental factors.
Fireproof and resistant to fire and heat.
Disadvantages of Porcelain Products:
Installation and cutting may be difficult due to the hardness and high strength of the materials.
Higher cost compared to ordinary ceramics.
Heavier weight compared to standard ceramics.
Applications of Porcelain Tiles
Due to their durability and beauty, porcelain products are virtually unlimited in their use in various places, including:
Residential places
Bathrooms and washrooms
Stairs and countertops
Exterior and interior facades
Sidewalks and grounds
Office and commercial environments including companies and organizations
Factories
Hospitals and healthcare centers
Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and lodging centers
Cultural, artistic, and sports centers
