Ceramic tiles: density, weight, types and purpose

For several millennia, ceramic tiles were manufactured using the classical technology, which assumed the use of the following materials:

• glaze;
• clay;
• water.

The mixture after molding was exposed to a high temperature. Modern ceramic tiles, the density of which will be mentioned below, is a product made of a mixture of quartz sand, clay, as well as other ingredients, pressed and fired during production. You can subdivide this finishing material into the following varieties:

• Glazed;
• Unglazed;
• Matt;
• Glossy.

To this day, laying tiles on walls and floors continues to be the most practical and convenient way of decorating rooms. This decoration is traditional for the kitchen and the bathroom, and the interior of the living rooms increasingly includes ceramics, which can be found in the living rooms and bedrooms. Tiles are also used for exterior wall cladding, as well as for the decoration of public buildings.

The main varieties of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles, the GOST of which provides for compliance with the rules of production technology, is divided into several main groups, among them:

• Ceramic granite (porcelain stoneware) ;
• Cotto;
• clinker;
• Single-burnt tile;
• Double-burnt tile.

As for ceramic granite or porcelain stoneware, it is products that are manufactured according to one of the new technologies. We can say that porcelain stoneware acts as the highest stage of development of ceramic tile production.

Glazed and unglazed tiles are represented by clinker, which is obtained by extrusion. The raw materials are pressed through the mold, and in some cases the products are produced by pressing.

Tiles of double and single firing are products that are produced according to the oldest method of glazed finish. The clay mixture in the process is pressed, exposed to high temperatures, and then the glaze is applied to the surface, at the final stage the tile is fired a second time.

GOST of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tile, GOST is periodically updated, should be resistant to cracking, heat-resistant, frost-resistant and wear-resistant. The norms for the described material are certain indicators that are periodically updated, they are prescribed in standards Nos. 6141 and 13996. Among the updated data, the following standards should be singled out:

• №6141-91;
• No. 6787-2001;
• № 13996-93.

According to government regulations and rules, ceramic tiles should include:

• quartz sand;
• clay;
• Feldspars;
• Carbonates.

The first ingredient is responsible for the skeleton of the products, while the clay maintains the plasticity and shape of the material. With regard to carbonates and feldspars, they are responsible for the viscosity of the products, this is what gives the finish density and vitreousity.

Weight of ceramic tiles

The weight of the ceramic tile will vary depending on the type of material. The mass is affected by the coefficient of porosity and density. Depending on this, the ceramic tiles can be further subdivided into several types, among them tiles should be highlighted. He is the easiest.

With standard tile sizes, which can be equal to 20x30 or 30x30 cm, the weight of a square meter will vary from 11 to 16 kg. Clinker ceramics are used for finishing the facades. In this case, the weight of a square meter will be equal to the limit of 20 to 30 kg. Buyers are often interested in the weight of ceramic tiles. When it comes to porcelain stoneware, it has a low coefficient of porosity, respectively, a rather impressive mass, which is equal to the limit of 20 to 70 kg per square meter.

Large thickness of pavement ceramic products differ, due to this their weight can reach 90 kg per square meter. Depending on which natural stone is used in the manufacture of ceramic pavers, its weight reaches 150 kg per square meter.

Purpose of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles, the density of which can be different, is used for finishing the premises and exterior surfaces of buildings. In the first case it is a question of floor products, and also furnish for walls. It shows all its best operational features in the kitchen and in the corridors, where the surfaces are highly abradable.

The described products are also used for the finishing of public premises, here it is necessary to include cafes and shops. Considering the purpose of ceramic tiles, it can be noted also that it is used as a floor and wall cover, but you can meet this finish when carrying out outdoor works. The most common ceramic tile is used in the arrangement:

• Pedestrian crossings;
• Parks;
• Verandas;
• Metro stations;
• Airports;
• Stations.

Ceramic tiles, the density of which will be mentioned below, should have high quality frost resistance. Such products are extruded enamelled tiles with low water absorption.

Some technical characteristics of ceramic tiles on the example of porcelain stoneware

Ceramic tiles, whose density can reach 1400 kg / m ³ , is also available for sale in the form of porcelain stoneware. Its specific gravity is 2400 kg / m ³ . This parameter roughly corresponds to the specific gravity of the glass. Frost-resistance of this finish acts as one of the important indicators, which determines the possibility of using the material outside the premises. Any of the varieties of porcelain stoneware can withstand up to 50 cycles of freezing and thawing. The water absorption of granite is quite low, it is about 3%. However, as practice shows, this parameter varies from 0.05 to 0.5%.

Conclusion

Considering the properties of ceramic tiles, it can be noted that it is wear-resistant and resistant to abrasion. The material is frost-resistant, it absorbs moisture in minimum quantities, and among the additional advantages it is necessary to distinguish resistance to mechanical action. During use, the material retains color fastness. For laying ceramic tiles on the floor, you can use a rough variety, because slipping is excluded.