Definition

Resistance to fading

The resistance to fading describes the colour stability of surface coatings at long exposure to light. Especially UV-waves in sunlight have a highly corroding effect on many materials, which causes visible discoloration.

Water absorption

The water absorption is the physical property of a certain material orsubstance which describes its ability to absorb liquid water. The absorption feature of building materials depends on the surface texture and its porosity and is a decisive factor for frost resistance.

Thermal shock resistance

Thermal shock describes the way in which some materials are prone to damage if they are exposed to a sudden change in temperature. The resistance to thermal shock depends on toughness, thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficients of the materials. Temperature change causes expansion of the molecular structure of an object, due to weakening of the bonds which hold the molecules in formation. The shock is the result of a thermal gradient, which refers to the fact that temperature change occurs in an uneven fashion, which puts stress on the molecular structure of the material, which causes cracking if great.

Frost Resistance

Frost resistance describes the ability of building materials in a wet condition to withstand many cycles of freezing and thawing without disintegrating. The basic cause of the disintegration of materials acted upon by low temperatures is that the water filling the pores of the material expands when it freezes. Frost resistance depends primarily on the structure of the material: the larger the pores that water can penetrate, the lower frost resistance will be.

Bending Strength

Is defined as a material's ability to resist deformation under load until fracture.

Resistance to deep abrasion (abrasion)

Through an a addition of water and an abrasive an defined artificial abrasion is determined. The result is a value that indicates at what number of revolutions a visible material wear takes place. These values are used for classification. The lower the value, the more wear resistant is the ceramic.

Coefficient of thermal expansion

This is the classification for the extension of a material or a substance, under the influence of heat.

Anti-slip properties mean friction coefficient (μ)

By testing the slip resistance in accordance with DIN 51130, the classification in R-values is acquired. The higher the number, the higher the slip-resistance of the material or coating.

Stain Resistance

Resistance to dirt or stains.

Dimensions

The dimensions show the tolerances in terms of length, thickness, edge linearity, the right angle and flatness of the porcelain stoneware tile