What is enamel: the basic meaning of the word

What is enamel? In modern Russian the word can have several meanings, both true etymologically, and "conversational", not completely correct. Let's consider the technical enamel and tooth enamel as examples of the most obvious uses of this word in the literal sense. Also worth paying attention to the very commonly used in everyday life concepts of "enamel paint" and "enamelware", which have no direct relationship to the actual concept of enamel.

"Enamel": the meaning of the word. Direct sense

So, in the technical sense of the word, enamel is a small thickness of the glass-like layer, which is obtained by high-temperature roasting. It is in this sense that the word "enamel" came from French into Russian. And the technology of its production is known in Russia at least from the twelfth century, but then the word "enamel" was in the process.

What is enamel technical? It can carry a practical meaning (for example, protection against corrosion of the underlying layers), and artistic (pictorial miniatures created by the mentioned technology). It should be noted that quite often in the everyday sense enamels are also called the finished products of production, especially in the plural. For example, a set of painted enamel saucers can be called a set of enamels.

The components of the enamel powder production differed greatly depending on the geography and production time. What is enamel and modern technology? Most often it is made from a mixture of oxides of silicon, boron, titanium, aluminum, lead, zinc and other metals.

And the addition of specific ions makes it possible to achieve the desired coloration of the finished layer. Also over the past decades, improved methods of applying the initial material, so, appeared sprayers and electrostatic chambers, which allow to achieve a very homogeneous layer.

"Tooth" meaning

The word "enamel" which means more? So, in anatomy and dentistry, tooth enamel is called a very strong thin layer of inorganic substances (about 97%) and organic (about 3%), which protects the crown of the tooth. This material is the most waterless part of the human body, and also the most durable part-time.

The exceptional hardness of tooth enamel is due to the hydrated form of apatite, which is "reinforced" with impregnations of magnesium, chlorine, fluorine, barium, chromium, and a small number of organic substances. From organic components it is necessary to note collagen, which substantially increases the practical strength of enamel by reducing the fragility of the latter.

Strong enamel - strong teeth

For a modern man care of enamel is an important component of hygiene and prevention of oral diseases. Predominantly apatite composition protects the crown mechanically, however, it is weakly protected from aggressive medium and extremely sensitive to acidity of the medium.

Even at a pH value of 4.6, the tooth enamel undergoes appreciable destruction. Normally, the acidity of saliva does not reach such values, but bacteria in the oral cavity quickly "acidify" the medium. A by-product of their activities are organic acids, which are the greatest threat to enamel.

The problem is solved by removing the remnants of food after eating, which deprives the microflora proper nutrition. Another danger for enamel lies in products that initially have a pronounced acidity. So, the harm can cause substances contained in some fruits (organic acids) or soft drinks (orthophosphoric acid).

What is enamel? Figurative sense

It is easy to see that the general meaning of any of the definitions of enamel is a thin protective layer. That is why in the everyday life of a person there were such concepts as "enamelware" and "enamel paint". To the real enamel they have no relation, however verbally "enamel" bears a protective meaning in them.

Enameled dishes called household appliances in which metal (more often steel) is covered with a thin glass-like ceramic. The layer performs a protective function, and also avoids contact between food and metal.

Enamels are coatings for metal components in the industry, made on the basis of varnish. They contain a solvent, actually lacquer, coloring pigments, fillers and special additives. As it becomes clear, the usual answer to the rumor about what "enamel" is, is not completely competent with respect to enamels-paints, either in terms of ingredients, or in terms of the method of application to the surface.