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The aim of this work is to evaluate the cleanability performances of lapped porcelain stoneware surfaces with and without protective treatments. The knowledge of the material cleanability is an important selection parameter in buying tiles. However, an objective basis for testing and assessing this property still is lacking. In this study, standardized and laboratory tests to evaluate the cleanability performance of lapped porcelain stoneware products have been carried out and compared. Cleanability tests were performed by applying two different soiling suspensions, optimized for tile surfaces and reproducing chemical and mechanical actions simulating the working conditions and traditional cleaning operations. Surface characteristics (microstructure, topography, roughness) were analyzed before and after cleanability tests. The results showed a good correlation between different behavior in terms of cleanability and the microscopic and topographic characteristics of lapped tile. Respect to international standardized tests specific for ceramic tiles, such as stains resistance test, the laboratory procedures to evaluate the surface cleanability are able to better show cleanability improvements of lapped tiles with protective treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste generated in ceramic tiles manufacturing is not usually recycled inside the productive plant, but rather disposed to landfill. This paper deals with ceramic residues from polishing and glazing processes, as constituents for innovative blended cements. New binders made up of 75% CEM I 52.5 R and 25% residues were chemically, physically, and mechanically characterized with reference to EN 197-1 requirements and the results compared with ordinary Portland cement. Mechanical strength development and microstructure of the relevant mortar have been investigated up to 90 days of curing, and the behavior of polishing and glazing residues as cement constituents is reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]