Handbook - installers (English)

Ceramic materials

Materials

Vitreous china is made from a mixture of white burning clays and finely ground minerals which after firing at high temperature, and when unglazed, does not have a mean value of water absorption greater than 0.5% of the dry weight. This 99.5% vitreosity means that, even unglazed, it cannot be contaminated by bacteria and will remain hygienic. It is coated on all exposed surfaces with an impervious non-crazing vitreous glaze giving white or colored finish. Vitreous china is stainproof, burnproof, rotproof, rustless, non-fading and is resistant to acids and alkalis. To produce vitreous china (and fireclay) a solution of slip is prepared. Slip is the term used in the trade to define casting clay. The ingredients for vitreous china casting slip are ball clay, china clay, sand, fluxing agent and water. The main characteristics of these products are: • Water absorption capacity <0.5%. • Firing temperature: 1200ºC - 1220ºC. • Acid, base, hot water, stain impact, abrasion, thermal shock resistant. • Resistance to bending (500kg/cm2). Fine Fireclay is made from a mixture of ground Vitreous China and Fireclay and has the advantage of holding shape better whilst manufactured. It is particularly suitable for products such as vanity basins and shower trays where it is important to achieve a flat base, whilst keeping the finish associated with vitreous china. Seat & cover materials: Duroplast - the raw material is in granules form and based on special pressing moulds, at the temperature of around 150°C in 2 tone press. • Resistant to cigarette burn marks – in accordance to DIN 438-2.18 regulation. • Static Electricity – resistant to static electricity & this is why they repel dust. • UV radiation – resistant to UV radiation - in accordance to EN 438-2.18 regulation. • Durability – in accordance to EN 438-2.14 regulation, all seats are subjected to 150-kg endurance test. • Chemical resistant – in accordance to EN 438-2.15 regulation. Characteristics of Duroplast: • Safety environment – no environmentally harmful substances.

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