Functional and Smart Coatings for Porcelain
What is PorCoating?
The PorCoating project aims to develop functional and decorative coatings for porcelain, as well as materials and methodologies to enhance its mechanical resistance.
Specifically in terms of coatings, the goal is to develop materials that increase resistance to metal marking, a phenomenon that causes significant waste of pieces; as well as develop thermochromic materials that can offer decorative but also functional features, such as indicating information (hot/cold state of food).
To achieve these objectives, Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) and Digital Printing (DP) techniques will be applied, along with design optimization and modification of the ceramic paste, ensuring technological integration of functionality and decoration.
The PorCoating project has cross-cutting features that explore new knowledge and technologies, applying them to the economic activities involved, particularly through multidisciplinary expertise, the exploitation of synergies, and technology transfer between sectors that share the same technological foundations, thereby maximizing the value chain potential.
Metal Marking VS Mechanical Resistance
Metal Marking
One of the major challenges in the porcelain sector is the “gray marks” created due to friction between utensils—mainly metal, such as knives, spoons, and forks—and the porcelain. Beyond the visual impact, these marks may also be accompanied by small cracks and scratches in the glazing, which damage the porcelain and directly affect its cleaning/hygiene, as they allow impurities and bacteria to accumulate, reducing product lifespan and degrading aesthetics.
Mechanical Resistance
Mechanical failures in porcelain structure (cracks, chips, or breaks) can result from mechanical impact or thermal shock. Porcelain typically has high impact resistance, however, the edges of plates and handles of cups/mugs are more prone to mechanical failure (weak points). Several approaches are considered to improve mechanical resistance of porcelain, notably: (1) addition of additives to the paste; (2) alteration of glaze composition; and (3) optimization of the design of porcelain pieces.
Main Challenges
- Developing functional and decorative coatings
- Developing materials and methodologies to enhance their mechanical resistance
Project Objectives
- Achieve porcelain pieces with improved mechanical resistance compared to those currently produced by Costa Verde
- Obtain long-lasting, food-safe coatings with high resistance to metal marking, thereby extending their service life
- Develop thermochromic materials that change color between ambient temperature and 300 °C
- Develop coatings with alert/information functionality through color change induced by the desired information to be conveyed
Consortium
