Microstructure and cleanability of uncoated and fluoropolymer, zirconia and titania coated ceramic glazed surfaces

The aim of this investigation was to examine the effect of surface topography of different compositions and surface coatings of glazed ceramic tiles on their cleanability. The cleanability was estimated with color measurements. Contact angle measurements were used to describe the surface properties and profilometry and electron microscopy to describe the topography. The effect of additional coatings on the surface properties was compared by applying experimental zirconia and titania coatings as well as a commercial fluoropolymer coating on one of the experimental and all reference glazes. The results show that there were clear differences between the soiling tendencies of the glazes. Generally the topography measurements show that the rougher was ceramic glaze, the more soil adhered on its surface.