How sellers of many stores respond building materials to customer questions about porcelain stoneware?

For example, you started a renovation and want to select materials for finishing the walls and floors. If you ask what's the difference ceramic tiles from porcelain stoneware, you risk getting a very “capacious” answer: “Porcelain stoneware is harder.”

Indeed, hardness and strength are important advantages of porcelain stoneware. But that's not all.

Before purchasing finishing materials in full for repairs, it is worth finding out the details. How exactly and in comparison with what is it stronger, where can it be laid and where not? And if the benefits are truly undeniable, then what is the best way to use them in your apartment?

Difference in "origin"

The names “porcelain tiles” and “ceramic tiles” are misleading to many due to general communication with ceramics. “Keramo” is because the material undergoes firing typical of all ceramics, and “granite” is because it looks like natural granite or marble. The second, more unusual name is very often used - “gres porcellanato”.

Porcelain tiles are produced not from pressed chips of natural granite, but from almost the same components as in the manufacture of ceramic tiles: clay, feldspar, quartz sand and kaolin.

The fundamental differences between porcelain stoneware and the features of its appearance lie in the production technology itself. Of course, the recipe for preparing wear-resistant frost-resistant tiles is not news at all; it has been known for many years. But the fact is that before there was no such powerful equipment. Today, production allows us to create porcelain tiles that are superior in quality to others facing materials. It is fired at 1250 - 1300 °C, clay and quartz sand melt under such conditions. Additionally, the “ceramic granite mass” is subjected to a pressure of about 450 kg/cm2, that is, about 400 tons are applied to a 30x30cm tile.

"Waterproof"

After such “global” sintering, there are no pores left in the structure of the tile, which are characteristic of ceramic tiles, so water does not seep inside.

Imagine what happens to ordinary ceramic tiles, which have already absorbed a certain amount of liquid, in the cold! The water freezes, and the tile literally breaks from the inside. This will not happen with porcelain tiles. Its water absorption is about 0.05%. Note that among all ceramic materials this is the lowest indicator, even less than that of natural stone.

Wear resistance

Of course, this material is often used indoors, in apartments; it is placed on the floor and tiled in kitchens. Here the temperature is unlikely to approach the critical minus. But other properties are important here, such as acid and wear resistance. To make it immediately clear, even if, say, you drop a bottle of acid on a porcelain stoneware floor, the tile will not fade or crumble.

In addition, you will have to trample the porcelain stoneware for a very, very long time in order for even a small crack, hole or hole to appear on it. That is why porcelain stoneware is preferable for covering not only walls, but also floors in apartments (bathroom, hallway, kitchen), and in office and industrial premises.

Coloring

And even if after a long time of use some minor damage appears, it will not be at all obvious. This is because during the production of porcelain tiles, dyes are added directly to the mass before firing.

As a result, the tile pattern penetrates the entire depth and, in addition, acquires an interesting, truly “natural” texture. And this also distinguishes porcelain tiles from ordinary ceramic tiles, which are painted only on the front side.

Porcelain tile (gres porcellanato) is one of the types of facing ceramics. Like any ceramics, it is produced by sintering a mixture where the main components are clay, quartz sand and feldspar. However, there are differences in the technology of its production, which, although not of a fundamental nature, have given rise to a colossal difference between porcelain stoneware and ordinary ceramic tiles, which gives reason to consider it a completely special material. Let's consider these differences and, perhaps, dispel some misconceptions and myths associated with gres tiles.

Differences in the production of porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles

Before discussing the difference between porcelain stoneware and ceramic tiles, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the production features of these materials.

At the heart of production ceramic products The processes of firing clay in interaction with quartz and feldspars lie. The technological chain for manufacturing any ceramics looks like this:

• grinding the starting components and dosing them, preparing the mixture;
• molding of products - casting, pressing or extrusion;
• drying – removal of physically bound water;
• burning.

If necessary, glaze is applied to the surface of the “biscuit” before firing. The glaze can be applied after the main firing, in which case the product is fired again. When applying complex multi-layer decor, multiple firings are used to form the glaze.

Feedstock

The differences between porcelain stoneware begin with the composition of the raw materials. For ordinary ceramics, red and white clays are used, and for porcelain stoneware, white-burning kaolin and illite clays are used. Pore-forming additives are introduced into ordinary ceramics to reduce the weight of products. In the case of porcelain stoneware, they are not added, which helps to obtain a dense shard. An important role in the mixture for porcelain stoneware is played by surfactants, which reduce internal friction in the mixture and facilitate its compaction when molding products.

Porcelain tile has nothing to do with natural granite. This name was used by Mirage, which first presented this material on Russian market. The name stuck because of its strength and the characteristic grainy pattern that was on the first series of products.

Molding

For molding porcelain stoneware products, the method of dry and semi-dry pressing is used. The main difference is the high pressure, reaching 500 kg/cm2. For other types of ceramics, the pressing pressure usually does not exceed 400 kg/cm2. At this pressure, not only does the charge become compacted, but also the particles that make it up are deformed, destroyed, “pressed” into the total volume, and voids are eliminated.

The pressing process is divided into two stages. At the first stage, the mixture is pre-compacted. The subsequent release of pressure allows the air squeezed out of the charge to be removed, and the second stage of pressing completes the process and creates a biscuit that retains its shape due to the forces of surface tension and the large contact surface of the grains.

Drying – mandatory stage, because the excess moisture with strong heating, it damages the integrity of the shard.

Burning

Firing of gres tiles is characterized by high temperatures. Conventional ceramics are fired at 950-1180 0 C. The sintering temperature of porcelain stoneware reaches 1250–1300 0 C.

The temperature increases gradually, since as it increases, at each stage certain processes occur that are important for the production of ceramics:

1. 200 0 C – evaporation of residual moisture.

2. 300-400 0 C – burnout of organic matter.

3. 500 0 C and above – dehydration of kaolinite and other minerals contained in clay.

4. 700–800 0 C – afterburning of coke residues.

5. 830-850 0 C – decomposition of clayey materials into oxides with the formation of silica and alumina.

6. 920-980 0 C – the beginning of mullite formation, which intensifies at 1100-12000 C.

Mullite is a mineral that, together with quartz, provides the hardness of porcelain stoneware.

In addition to chemical reactions, a whole complex of physical transformations occurs - the melting of some components and the dissolution of others in them, the formation and removal of the gas phase, and the crystallization of new compounds. These processes continue during the cooling of the product, which is no less important than heating, and occurs according to a strict schedule.

So, the technology for manufacturing porcelain stoneware differs in the selection of raw materials, high pressure during molding and elevated temperature firing

General characteristics

Pressing under high pressure, the characteristics of raw materials and firing give the porcelain stoneware slab a high density. The shard has practically no pores, and the volumetric weight of the material is about 2400 – 2600 kg/m3. For comparison: the density of most types of tiles is 1600 – 2000 kg/m3.

Density says little about the consumer qualities of the material. The ability of products to absorb water is more informative. This property characterizes the structural density of ceramics. The most important operational parameters of the cladding are closely related to it - strength, wear resistance, frost resistance.

Water absorption of porcelain stoneware does not exceed 0.5% by weight. Some manufacturers claim this parameter at 0.1%, and for the densest samples it reaches 0.05%. Most types of ceramic tiles have a water absorption range of 3 – 10%.

Low porosity gives a quality important for finishing, especially for flooring. It is stain resistant. Most household, and not only household, pollutants are easily removed from the surface of porcelain tiles with a stream of warm water.

Strength

The concept of strength in relation to ceramic tiles is determined by three parameters:

• bending strength;
• impact strength;
• surface hardness.

According to GOST 6787-2001 ceramic slabs for the floor must have a bending strength of at least 25 MPa. For wall cladding, the requirement is significantly lower - 15 MPa. The bending strength of porcelain stoneware is 40-49 MPa. In practice, this means that you don’t have to worry about breaking the tiles by accidental pressure when working with them. As a rule, these products remain intact, even if you carelessly step on a slab left out of place. Ordinary tiles will most likely crack.

Impact strength is not standardized technical specifications tile production, so it is difficult to make a correct numerical comparison on this parameter. But from practice it is known that gres tiles remain intact in situations where the tiles are guaranteed to break. Impact resistance is especially valuable for flooring.

The hardness of ceramics is usually measured in points on the Mohs scale. This scale is based on ten minerals chosen as standards. Talc and graphite have one point on this scale. Ten is a diamond. On this scale, porcelain tile is on the same level as quartz – seven points. It cannot be scratched with a knife, glass, or file. Quartz has a hard time leaving a mark on it. The most durable samples of porcelain stoneware reach the hardness of topaz - eight points.

Regular ceramics score 4-6 on the Mohs scale. According to GOST, the hardness of facing tiles is not standardized at all; it only has a requirement for a glazed surface - no lower than 5 Mohs points.

Wear resistance

The resistance of materials to abrasive wear is characterized by abrasion. Abrasion is determined by testing a sample using an abrasive tool under strictly defined conditions. The numerical value of abrasion is equal to the decrease in sample mass after a test cycle. In practice, to indicate wear resistance, the division of facing tiles into classes is used according to its applicability, depending on the load.

PEI-0 – minimum durability. Tiles of this class are applicable only for wall cladding.

PEI-I - products of this class can be used for the walls and floors of the bathroom, bedroom and other rooms where there are few people wearing soft shoes or barefoot.

PEI-II - cladding suitable for the floor of residential premises, except for the kitchen and hallway.

PEI-III is a wear-resistant cladding that can be used for any premises that do not have direct access to the street. Suitable for small offices.

PEI-IV is a tile that can be used to cover the floors of living rooms, kitchens, hallways, and terraces. It will withstand the load on the floor of an office, hotel or small store.

PEI-V – cladding for floors of public spaces with high intensity of use: train stations and airports, large stores and entertainment centers.

The wear resistance of most ceramic slabs is mainly determined by the hardness of the glaze covering them; this is a maximum of PE-IV class. Unglazed porcelain tiles belong to the PE-V class and can withstand any load.

Increased impact strength, hardness and wear resistance - this is the main difference between porcelain stoneware and floor tiles regular type. These are qualities that significantly expand the scope of application ceramic cladding.

Frost resistance

Frost resistance is the ability of materials to withstand repeated temperature changes from “-” to “+” Celsius. This property is important for external cladding - terraces, balconies, porches, basements or building facades. Freezing followed by thawing leads to frost destruction of products. The destructive factor is the water contained in the pores and capillaries of the material. When it freezes, it expands and creates bursting loads.

According to GOST 27180-2001, frost resistance testing is carried out by repeatedly cooling a sample saturated with water to -15..-20 0 C, followed by heating in warm water up to +15..+20 0 C. Conventional ceramic slabs can withstand 25 – 125 cycles (F25 – F125), gres slabs have frost resistance F100 – F300 (up to 300 cycles).

Porcelain tiles can be used without restrictions for covering any surfaces exposed to moisture and low temperatures. One of the common applications is curtain wall systems for buildings.

The reason for the high frost resistance of porcelain stoneware is its low water absorption: there are very few pores, no water is absorbed, and there is no frost damage.

When choosing a wear-resistant floor covering, the consumer hesitates between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Let's look at the differences between these materials, determine their advantages and highlight their disadvantages. Only then will it become clear why porcelain tiles are so popular.

How does porcelain tile differ from ordinary tiles?

The myth that special ingredients are used to produce porcelain stoneware products has long been dispelled. The composition of the material is not much different - the same kaolin, clay, quartz sand and feldspar. The only difference is in the production conditions: porcelain stoneware is fired at more high temperatures ah (up to 1300 degrees), greater press pressure is used (about 450 kilograms per centimeter).

Production technology explains and quality characteristics materials: porcelain stoneware does not just sinter, its components literally melt, and the monstrous pressure eliminates the formation of micropores, as in tiles. It is the absence of pores that explains why porcelain stoneware materials are more durable when used outdoors. No moisture gets inside and does not destroy the material from the inside when frozen. Cladding buildings with porcelain stoneware also guarantees a durable result, as does using it to produce steps.

Advantages of porcelain tiles for interior decoration

Most consumers do not care that porcelain stoneware is frost-resistant, because they choose the material for furnishing an office, store, apartment or home (where frost does not occur). But porcelain floor tiles also have a lot of other advantages:

• Wear resistance. Despite the intensity of traffic, porcelain tiles remain attractive appearance many years. It is even used for finishing in some manufacturing plants.
• The durability of porcelain stoneware is very high. It is capable of withstanding loads of several hundred kilograms per square centimeter (provided that the ceramic granite is laid by a professional).
• The material is not susceptible to chipping and cracking How ceramic tiles differ over time.
• There are practically no stains on the surface of the material, it is resistant to moisture (has water absorption less than 1%), exposure to aggressive environments. Even an accidentally broken bottle with something vigorous like solvent will not leave visible marks on the porcelain stoneware.
• Porcelain tiles require no maintenance, it is enough to periodically wipe it with a damp cloth to ensure cleanliness.
• The material has a huge range of colors and textures for the most demanding taste, which will fit perfectly into the design of the room.
• The best porcelain tiles have absolutely clear, even edges, which allows for minimal seams when performing cladding and laying floors, achieving uniformity of the coating.

Does porcelain tile have any disadvantages?

You'll have to put up with the cold floor

The number of advantages of the material is quite large, but for the sake of objectivity it is worth pointing out its disadvantages. There are, however, few of them. Firstly, the floor made of it is quite cold, and it is impossible to insulate it (although a floor made of ceramic tiles has the same drawback). The only way out is to use heated floors.

A significant disadvantage is the slippery surface.

Secondly, the material is quite slippery if moisture gets on it. Therefore, it is not advisable to use it in the bathroom.

Prices for porcelain tiles “bite”

Thirdly, the price. The material has a cost slightly higher than that of ceramic tiles. But this is a dubious drawback, which is compensated by the advantages of porcelain stoneware.

There are quite a lot of manufacturers of the popular material; on the market you can find not only Italian (according to many experts, one of the highest quality), but also Turkish, Baltic, Greek and Belarusian porcelain stoneware, which has similar sizes and thickness. How to choose decent material that will not disappoint over time?

Methods for determining quality for the correct selection of porcelain tiles

In Italy alone there are more than three hundred manufacturers, not all of which can boast of product quality. Porcelain tiles must be produced strictly according to technology, starting from the preparation of the mixture, its coloring, maintaining temperature parameters to the use of a powerful press. It is almost impossible to determine the quality of a material by eye. We suggest using the following methods:

• Buy by weight

Check the weight of each tile (usually indicated in the catalog and on the packaging). A “correct” tile with a thickness of 8-8.5 mm should weigh at least 18.5 kilograms.

• Manufacturers e the quality is visible to the naked eye

Dimensions of technological recesses on the reverse side. These should be shallow squares with a side of up to 2 centimeters. Deep large squares indicate poor quality material.

• Check color match

Color calibration. Tiles of the same series should match the color tone as much as possible. Good company ensures the high-quality caliber of its products, which means that you can also count on compliance with other parameters.

Video: advantages of porcelain stoneware and its choice

We are going to lay tiles in the hallway and kitchen. Now there is laminate flooring in a terrible state. The question is, what are the main differences between tiles and porcelain stoneware? Sellers recommend putting granite in the hallway.

Mango C.

Choosing finishing material for flooring, many people are confused about what is better: ceramic tiles or porcelain tiles. After all, both materials are very similar in their main components and performance characteristics. To make an informed choice, you need to understand the difference between ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware. Correctly assess traffic and resistance to abrasive (for an apartment this is not very important, as people move there mainly in house shoes).

Comparing manufacturing technologies

If ceramic tiles are among the traditional types finishing materials is rightfully considered a “long-liver,” porcelain stoneware is a fairly young material that appeared on the construction market only about forty years ago.

Porcelain tiles on the kitchen floor

Ceramic tiles are created from clay different varieties(mostly white and red) with the addition of synthetic or natural binders. When producing the material, manufacturers use several methods:

• Monocottura – pressing in special molds followed by single firing at temperatures above 1000°C. The tiles obtained in this way are famous for their high wear resistance and are intended for wall decoration, as well as as flooring.

Monocottura

• Bicottura - pressing followed by double firing: the first - to form the base, the second - to fix the coating applied on top of the design. Ready-made tiles are great for tiling interior walls premises.

Bicottura

Comparing both methods of producing ceramic tiles, it is worth noting that monocotturas, due to the use of a more powerful press and baking at a high temperature at the outlet, acquire exceptional hardness. And the enamel fixed to the surface forms a solid and durable coating with the base.

Porcelain tiles or Gres are unenamelled ceramic tiles created from powdered light grades of clay, supplemented with fine-grained quartz sand and crushed feldspar. Manufacturers use metal oxides as coloring pigments, which give the baked mass a rich hue.

The technology for producing porcelain stoneware is somewhat complicated. The material is created through pressing, single firing and additional mechanical processing. Modern equipment allows you to create a pressing pressure that reaches 500 kg/cm2.

Porcelain tiles with wood grain pattern

The firing temperature is 1200-1300°C, at which restructuring and completion of chemical reactions occur. As a result, the resulting material is a non-porous monolith, which can be used for finishing any type of surface, both indoors closed type, and in open areas.

Analysis of qualitative characteristics

Production technology also determines the quality characteristics of both materials.
Double fired ceramic tiles have minimal thickness and low strength. Due to the porosity of the material, it is highly hygroscopic, which significantly limits the possibilities of its use when finishing walls in rooms with high humidity.

Monocottura tiles are distinguished by their large weight and thickness, which, in turn, contributes to increased impact resistance. The material is heat resistant and waterproof.

Production of ceramic tiles

But polished ceramic tiles are unacceptable as flooring in rooms where an anti-slip surface is required (floors in the bathroom or kitchen, porch steps). Even a small drop of water can create an “ice skating rink” effect, which can cause injury to the owners and residents of the house.

In the production of porcelain tiles, due to exposure to high temperatures, the components simply fuse. Due to this, the material acquires a number of properties, the main ones of which are:

• Resistance to abrasion and mechanical stress. Porcelain tiles can easily withstand loads of up to half a ton.
• Low moisture absorption. The dense structure of the material is capable of absorbing only 0.05% moisture, which makes it possible to use it for finishing rooms with high humidity.
• Resistant to temperature changes. Porcelain stoneware perfectly withstands temperature changes from -50°C to +50°C without losing its performance qualities.
• Impact resistance chemical substances. He's not afraid detergents based on acids and alkalis.

Attention! Porcelain tiles have a uniform shade throughout the entire thickness of the material, while tile- color coating only in the enamel layer applied to the surface.

Thanks to this, even accidentally created chips and deep scratches on porcelain stoneware slabs will be barely noticeable to a casual passerby.

Production of porcelain stoneware

If we consider the aesthetic side of the issue, then porcelain tiles, outwardly resembling natural stone, looks no worse than ceramic tiles. It can be polished or matte, embossed and glazed.

At the same time, ceramic tiles are distinguished by a wide variety of patterns and colors, which its “opponent” cannot boast of.

How to choose the right porcelain tiles: video

Porcelain tiles: photo