Antibacterial and self-cleaning glazes from Setec

Based on a patent registered by Professor Ignazio Renato Bellobono, Setec recently developed a technique for producing permanent photocatalytic, antibacterial and self-cleaning glazes without having to make any changes to the production processes adopted by ceramic companies.

The studies conducted by Prof. Bellobono, professor of chemistry at the University of Milan, a Chartered Scientist, Chartered Chemist and a Fellow of the Royal Society, have led to the development of a nanoparticulate titanium dioxide (BS02), suitably doped with a photopromoter. Using this product, Setec has developed a new technique for manufacturing antibacterial and self-cleaning glazes that are able to withstand firing temperatures of up to 1250°C (the temperature required for the production of single fired and porcelain tiles) and are therefore permanent.

To avoid the harmful effects associated with nanoparticle powders, the new technique introduces the liquid additive (powder dispersed in water) either directly in the mill or by means of a mechanical mixing process together with more finely powdered glazes. The glaze is then applied by means of normal procedures and subsequently fired in accordance with the standard single-firing process.

The fundamental aspect is the simplicity of using the product. No changes need to be made to the manufacturing cycle and additional costs are not incurred for handling operations. Furthermore, the additive is entirely non-toxic and can be used without having to adopt any particular precautions.

The complete article on the study is published in CWR 89.