Enhancing the stain resistance of the polished porcelain tile

In this particular study, production of polished porcelain stoneware tiles with high stain resistance was utilized. Microstructural properties of the tiles were investigated and aspect ratio of the pores was defined as the critical parameter on the stain resistance of the tile. Sintering conditions and properties of the materials which used in recipes effects on the viscosity, viscosity effects on the microstructure and finally microstructure effects on the stain resistance were investigated systematically. In this study, measurements of the whole porcelain tile viscosity was carried out by thermomechanical anayser for the first time in porcelain tile literature. Lower and upper limit of porcelain tile viscosity were emphasized. Lower limit of viscosity was determined to consider deformation of the tile, upper limit of viscosity was determined to consider stain resistance of the body. In order to produce stain resistance of the porcelain tile, modifications on grain size distribution of the composition was not effective; both composition and grain size distribution should be utilized to obtain polished porcelain tile with high stain resistance.Keywords:Polished porcelain tile, stain resistance, viscosity of porcelain tile body.