What is ceramic granite? Is it artificial stone or is it decorative ceramics? Both assumptions can be considered correct. In terms of its chemical composition, porcelain stoneware has much in common with natural granite, and its production technology largely follows the process that occurs in the bowels of the Earth. But it is also true that porcelain stoneware is one of the types of decorative and finishing ceramics, its most modern and, perhaps, the most advanced variety to date. What is the perfection of ceramic granite from the point of view of architectural practice? What makes architects around the world increasingly prefer it not only to traditional ceramic tiles, but also to natural stone? The first reason is its higher utilitarian properties, the second is its climatic and chemical resistance and durability.
Thanks to a special production technology - dry pressing under very high pressure (up to 400-500 kg per cm2, for comparison: traditional ceramics is pressed under a pressure of 150-200 kg per cm2) and subsequent firing at a temperature of 1200-1300 degrees Celsius (for comparison: traditional ceramics are fired at a temperature of 1000-1100 degrees Celsius), vitrification (vitrification) occurs, or, more simply, sintering of the components of the raw material mass. As a result, an ultra-compact, hard and durable homogeneous structure is formed, practically devoid of pores.
Moisture, frost, aggressive influences of a natural or man-made nature are powerless against this type of ceramics. In many respects, in particular in water absorption and strength, porcelain stoneware surpasses even natural granite. What can we say about less durable marble, whose ability to withstand the harsh Russian climate and the polluted atmosphere of modern cities does not stand up to criticism.
But let’s not forget that architecture is one of the types of art, and in the classical triad of Vitruvius (ancient Roman architectural theorist), in addition to usefulness and strength, there is also such an important criterion as beauty. It must be said that at the dawn of its existence, ceramic granite could not boast of a variety of design possibilities. Therefore, the scope of its application was initially limited to industrial construction, lining of transport tunnels and other highly specialized areas in which utilitarian requirements clearly prevailed over aesthetics. Over time, technology was developed that endlessly expanded the decorative possibilities of using this material. Today it is possible to produce ceramic granite of any color, tone, it can reproduce the texture not only of natural stones - granite, marble, onyx, jadeite, jasper and so on, but also of various types of wood, imitate leather and other types of decorative coatings. As a result, porcelain stoneware has become a truly universal finishing material, applicable in interiors and exteriors of any style and functional purpose, and has seriously displaced both traditional ceramic tiles and natural stone. In addition, porcelain tiles made using classical technology have a homogeneous structure, painted over the entire thickness of the tile. Therefore, even as the top layer wears away, the clarity and colorfulness of the decor of the cladding remains almost unchanged. To color tiles and create a decorative coating, mineral pigments based on metal oxides that are resistant to ultraviolet radiation are mainly used, and this is the secret of the non-fading of porcelain stoneware in the brightest sun.
The article was based on the following materials:
“Ceramic granite in architecture” comp. Semyonova T.S., Ogadzhanov K.G.