The stain resistance of marble tiles is closely related to their glaze formulation design. By optimizing glaze composition, adjusting the firing process, and introducing functional additives, surface density and chemical stability can be significantly improved, thereby enhancing stain resistance. As the core of a tile's protective performance, the glaze formulation must strike a balance between hardness, wear resistance, and stain resistance, while also adapting to the needs of different usage scenarios.
The key to glaze formulation lies in the selection and proportion of the base glaze. Traditional glazes are primarily composed of minerals such as feldspar, quartz, and kaolin. Adjusting the ratio of these three elements can control the melting temperature and fluidity of the glaze layer. For example, increasing the feldspar content lowers the glaze's melting point, promoting smoothness during firing; while the addition of quartz increases the glaze's hardness and reduces scratches during use. Kaolin acts as a binder, strengthening the bond between the glaze and the base, preventing stain penetration caused by glaze peeling after long-term use.
The introduction of functional additives is a key means of improving stain resistance. Nanosilica, due to its ultrafine particle size and high activity, is widely used in glaze formulations. Nanoparticles fill the microscopic pores of the glaze, forming a dense protective layer that effectively blocks the penetration of liquids like oil and tea stains. Furthermore, the combined use of zinc oxide and wollastonite enhances the chemical stability of the glaze. Zinc oxide improves the glaze's resistance to acidic substances, while wollastonite, through its fibrous structure, strengthens the glaze's impact resistance and reduces the occurrence of microcracks caused by external forces.
The use of frit glaze further optimizes glaze performance. By pre-melting some raw materials into a vitreous substance before mixing it with the base glaze, frit glaze significantly improves the glaze's transparency and gloss. The calcium and magnesium added to the high-temperature frit reduce the glaze's high-temperature viscosity, promoting flow and spreading during firing, resulting in a uniform and smooth surface. This structure not only reduces the area where stains can adhere but also makes them easier to detect and clean due to the high gloss.
The targeted addition of anti-fouling agents is another innovative direction in glaze formulation. Fluoride antifouling agents form a fluorinated film on the glaze surface, reducing surface energy and making it difficult for stains to adhere. Silicone antifouling agents react with hydroxyl groups in the glaze layer to form a hydrophobic layer, preventing the penetration of water-based stains. Some formulations also incorporate photocatalytic materials, such as titanium dioxide, which decompose organic stains under light, achieving a self-cleaning function. This makes them particularly suitable for highly polluted environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.
The coordination of the firing process is crucial to the performance of the glaze. The glaze formulation must be designed in conjunction with parameters such as firing temperature and time. A high-temperature, rapid firing process promotes full melting of the glaze, reducing the formation of bubbles and pinholes. A staged temperature control prevents cracking in the glaze layer due to thermal stress. Furthermore, a rapid cooling treatment after firing enhances the glaze's vitrification, improving its hardness and wear resistance, further strengthening its foundation for antifouling properties.
In practical applications, the optimization of the glaze formulation must be tailored to the specific product positioning. For example, outdoor marble tiles require enhanced glaze weather resistance by increasing the barium oxide content to enhance resistance to UV rays and acid rain. In contrast, interior decorative tiles prioritize aesthetics and cleanability, achieving soft or matte finishes through adjustments to the frit ratio while maintaining stain resistance.
The improved stain resistance of marble tiles is the result of a deep integration of glaze formulation, firing process, and application scenarios. Through continuous optimization of glaze composition, the introduction of functional additives, and refined firing control, modern marble tiles achieve a balance of high hardness, strong stain resistance, and aesthetics, meeting diverse needs from homes to commercial spaces.
