Analysis of Sol Gel spray coating layer features over enamel tiles

Reference	Presenter	Authors (Institution)	Abstract
16-070	Santiago Betancourt	Betancourt, S.(Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana); Mosquera, D.(Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana); Domingues, M.(Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana); Rios, C.(Euroceramica); Villa, C.(SENCO);	Ceramic layers by Sol Gel technique has been studied and evaluated as a possible technological improvement in order to increase aesthetic properties and other enamel attributes in ceramic tiles (floor and wall). This technique has improved some functional features such as: wettability, brightness, resistance to staining, and even antibacterial and photocatalytic characteristics for this type of ceramic products. Different Sol Gel deposition techniques can be used such as: dip coating, spin coating, tape casting and spray coating. Correct layer formation in each deposition technique needs a good process variable control. The present work is focused in the morphological features of silicon layers deposited over enamels of ceramic coatings by the spray coating technique. Follow variables were studied: concentration of the alkoxide (TEOS), deposition distance, spray pressure and final sintering temperature. Additionally, the effect of carrying out the deposition on the warm tiles trying, directly at the end of the linear sintering furnace was evaluated. Three criteria were studied: dispersion, homogeneity and integrity of the layer. They were analyzed using digital photography techniques, optical and electron microscopy. Also, digital image processing was used in order to quantify the criteria. Trends and relationships were found between the variables studied such as: increment in spray pressure produce a rise in the layer dispersion and also influences the thickness homogeneity of the sintered layer.
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