GLOSSARY >

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

abrasion resistance: provides a measurement of the propensity of a tile to wear down (if unglazed) or to alter its appearance (if glazed) as a result of the above mentioned conditions. As for unglazed tiles, this value tends to increase as water absorption decreases, therefore, porcelain stoneware will have the highest level and the best performance. However, the resistance to abrasion can vary depending on the treatments the tiles can be submitted to: in case of terracotta, the impregnation with various substances, natural or synthetic; in case of porcelain stoneware, polishing and smoothing. As for glazed tiles, the abrasion resistance depends exclusively on the glaze. Light glazes show a greater wear deterioration, also due to the fact that they are harder to clean. [see: surface mechanical features; PRESERVE > durability]

antibacterial glazes: in jargon, they are called antibacterial glazes. It would be more precise from a scientific standpoint to call them compounds with photocatalytic properties able to boost specific hyperoxidation processes of organic substances present on specific surfaces when exposed to normal sunlight or specific types of luminous radiation (such as UHV rays). All thanks to hyperactive free radicals that are created by the process of photocatalysis that react with organic molecules. Compounds, which if applied to a surface, are able to destroy bacteria with simple exposure to the sun. [source: www.italiatiles.com/QOL/Archivio.nsf] [see: surface finishing; TAKE CARE > health & safety]

anti-slip: tiles treated to prevent slipping either by adding an abrasive grit to the glaze or texture to the surface such as ribs, studs or orange peel finish. It is the main safety feature, also very important for outdoor, public and industrial areas. It is inversely proportional to the surface friction coefficient. [see: slip resistance; TAKE CARE > health & safety]

architectural barrier: refers to any human edifice, construction or installation that impedes the autonomous and safe movement of those with muscular or sensory disabilities. [see: TAKE CARE > design for all]

atomisation: spray drying of the ceramic mixture (barbottina) obtained from the wet grinding of the raw material, so as to obtain an atomised powder destined for a successive semi-dry pressing process. The barbottina is sprayed into an extremely hot air current so that the drops dry rapidly into partially hollow spherical granules in order to retain a residual moisture (variable from 4 to 8%) useful as a lubricating agent in the successive pressing operation. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

barbottina: aqueous suspension produced during wet grinding inside large continuous mills, where water is mixed with the raw materials. [see: atomization; PRESERVE > ceramic/values

benchmarking: is a process of comparing and measuring an organization's business processes against best-in-class operations to inspire improvement in the organization's performance. The insights gained from benchmarking provide organizations with a foundation for building operational plans to meet and surpass industry best practices and promote an overall awareness of environmental improvement opportunities. [Source: www.gemi.org/resources/BEN_104.pdf] [see: SHARE > benchmarking]

Best Available Technology (BAT): is a term applied with regulations on limiting pollutant discharges with regard to the abatement strategy. Similar terms are best available techniques, best practicable means or best practicable environmental option. The term constitutes a moving targets on practices, since developing societal values and advancing techniques may change what is currently regarded as ‘reasonably achievable’, ‘best practicable’ and ‘best available’. First in 1996, the Integrated pollution prevention and control directive (IPPC), 96/61/EC, applied the framework concept of Best Available Techniques (BAT) to the integrated control of pollution to the three media air, water and soil. [see: REDUCE > IPPC]

bicottura: the complete firing of the piece and its vitreous covering or decoration can comprise more than a single thermal cycle, where in most (but not necessarily all) cases each subsequent firing takes place at a lower temperature than the preceding one. As such the firing cycles can be single firing, double firing or triple firing. B. is subdivided into ‘rapid double firing’ in which both thermal cycles are generally less than an hour in a rolled furnace, and ‘slow or traditional double firing’ in which the thermal cycles take several hours. With respect to single firing, b. gives the product a shinier glaze, greater colour definition and weighs less. [see: thrice fired; PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

bio-architecture: the branch of architecture that uses building techniques and materials with limited environmental impact, striving to reduce all types pollution to the minimum whether they be chemical-physical or electromagnetic. B. takes into consideration all possible measures to avoid damage to the ecosystem in which the building is placed, risks to the physical and mental health of the people who will use it (from workers to final users) and in general considers its relationship to the environment at the local, regional and planetary level. Found especially in Europe, North America and Australia (the Australian architect Glenn Murcutt won the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2002), B. is gaining popularity and consensus throughout the world. [see: LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

Bq (becquerel): International System (IS) measuring unit that quantifies the activity of a radioactive source. 1 Bq is equal to one disintegration per second. . [see: TAKE CARE > radon exposure]

C&D: Costruction & Demolition (C&D activities in Italy produce over 40 million tons of waste per year). [see: REDUCE > waste]

carbon dioxide: heaviest gas in the atmosphere. It is formed during all combustion processes, respiration, and decomposition of organic material through the complete oxidation of carbon. Variations in the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere due to various anthropological activities (combustion, deforestation) provoke modifications in the climate over time. CO2 has the greatest responsibility for the greenhouse effect and for global warming. [see: REDUCE > emissions]

chemical features: are the stain resistance, resistance to household products, acid and alkali resistance. The lower the porosity, the higher the chemical resistance will be. Contrariwise, the layer of glaze covering glazed products makes the working surface compact and non-absorbent. Such resistance decreases in presence of some colouring and decorations quite sensitive to aggressive agents, above all acids. Unglazed products like porcelain stoneware generally posses an excellent chemical resistance. [see: glazed tiles; PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

clay: raw material used in the production of ceramic tiles; its most important characteristics are: plasticity, hardening during the drying process, acquisition of a rigid form after firing, and shrinkage during the drying and firing process. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

clinker tiles (or Klinker tiles): bricks or tiles of small format with elevated thickness in which the composite mixture is composed of clay and low-quality kaolin, feldspathic flux and non-plastic materials. It is differentiated from vitrified tiles for the heterogeneity of the mixture and for its reduced vitrification but, as with vitrified tiles, is frost-resistant, impervious to chemical attack and has a notable mechanical resistance to bending. C. products are obtained through pressing or extrusion and are fired at temperatures above 1,200° C. with a cycle of several hours. They are used for both external and internal paving. The largest producer today continues to be Germany, the country in which it was invented around 1930. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

cocooning: the hardship of contemporary society have highlighted a strong wish to stay at home, to rediscover the family nest, to retrieve warm-hearted values, such as safety, reliability and harmony. As a result, there is a revival of such terms as ‘nesting’ and ‘cocooning’ (meaning cosiness), denoting a wish to stay with your family, privacy, a need to look for protection from unforeseen external events. [vedi: WARM UP > cocooning]

cogeneration: production associated with electrical energy and heating. In specific cases it constitutes an element of high energetic efficiency which maximises the recovery of heat obtained through the generation of electrical energy, utilising it directly in the process of ceramic elaboration. [see: REDUCE > energy]

cogenerator: see cogeneration

comfort: an important design objective in sustainable building. Designing for comfort aims to create a space where people enjoy being; such qualitative, performance-based objectives are a hallmark of sustainable building. [vedi: LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design; WARM UP > cocooning]

continua pre-compacting technology: allows manufacturers to produce porcelain stoneware slabs and tiles of any size or thickness, personalised both on-surface and in- body. The range of aesthetic effects is virtually unlimited, as new ideas and materials can be layered directly into the tile and there are no longer restrictions due to the size and shape of the loading systems. By varying the powder deposit sequence and moving the surface it is possible to reproduce a whole series of effects normally associated with natural stone, such as stratification, inclusions, speckles/flecks, shades, etc. One of the most innovative aspects of the new technology is the process of continuous pre-compacting, whereby a specific pressure is applied to the powders in order to ‘freeze’ or ‘fix’ the aesthetic results created in the various powder loading operations. [source: www.sacmi.com] [see: dry silk-screen printing; laser decoration; multicolor inkjet printing system; Rotodigit; LOOK AHEAD > innovation]

cotto: tiles made from natural clay that are dried and then fired at a temperature of above 1000°C and, depending on their origin, can be of different colours and shades. Processing may be hand-made or machine-made (extruded cotto tiles). After installation, unglazed tiles are treated with special soaked substances. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

cradle-to-cradle: a term used in life-cycle analysis to describe a material or product that is recycled into a new product at the end of its defined life. [see: REDUCE > natural resources; REDUCE > waste; LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

cradle-to-grave: a term used in life-cycle analysis to describe the entire life of a material or product up to the point of disposal. Also refers to a system that handles a product from creation through disposal. [REDUCE > natural resources; REDUCE > waste; LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

crazing resistance: crazing in the form of thin cracks of the glaze, can be favoured by some building or environmental conditions. The crazing resistance depends on the glaze composition. Some types of glaze run higher crazing risks compared to others. [see: glazed tiles; PRESERVE > durability]

dampness expansion: is usually linked to water absorption of certain tiles, although considerable variations have been observed, likely due to the effects of other micro-structural features, like the type and distribution of the various existent phases. [see: thermo-hygrometric features; PRESERVE > durability]

design for all (DFA): the intent of design-for-all (or ‘universal design’) is to simplify life for everyone by making products, communications, and the built environment more usable by as many people as possible at little or no extra cost. Universal design benefits people of all ages and abilities. As life expectancy rises and modern medicine has increased the survival rate of those with significant injuries, illnesses and birth defects, there is a growing interest in universal design. There are many industries in which universal design is having strong market penetration but there are many others in which it has not yet been adopted to any great extent. [see: architectural barrier; TAKE CARE > design for all]

dry silk-screen printing: this technology exploits tubular graphic supports on which the graphic image is reproduced by means of a laser digital engraving system. This system guarantees the utmost reproducibility and, above all, the possibility of creating images in three dimensions, changing, along with the resolution and the hole diameter, the depth, as well, This system for dry silk-screen printing allows to work with variable speeds without modifying the graphic quality, with excellent results using grits of colored glass, colored atomized powders and other pulverized products. [source: www.tsc.eu] [see: continua pre-compacting technology; laser decoration; multicolor inkjet printing system; Rotodigit; LOOK AHEAD > innovation]

eco-compatibility: defines the capacity to interact with the environment without upsetting its delicate equilibrium. In other words, our actions are eco-compatible when we can carry them out in such a way that the pollution rate and exploitation of environmental resources remains within the limits of the absorption and regeneration capacity of the recipient ecosystem in order to avoid an increase in the level of pollution over time. [see: sustainability; LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

eco-label: a label used to mark a consumer product which satisfies certain standards to limit its detrimental effects to the environment. -- Mark awarded by the European Community (EU) to producers who voluntarily employ verifiable measures that significantly reduce the harmful effects of their processes and products. [see: LOOK AHEAD > certified products;LOOK AHEAD > ecolabel]

Eco-Management and Audit System (EMAS): implemented by the European Union (EU), EMAS is a voluntary tool available for businesses and other organisations to monitor, report and improve their environmental performance. [see: REDUCE > ISO 14001; REDUCE > EMAS]

feldspathic materials: raw material widely distributed across the earth’s surface with no risk of its supply being depleting, derived from the decomposition of rock - such as quartziferous porphyry, granite, syenite or gneiss - rich in mineral content, from which clay is composed. They determine the process of vitreous formation that assures the high compactness of the product. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

Feng-Shui: traditional Chinese art of systemizing a space in harmony with the forces of the cosmos. The first traces of this art - developed according to the wisdom of the I Ching, the Book of Changes from the fourth millennium BC - is found in the Confucian era (VI-V century BC). F.S. derives from the traditional Chinese concept of the world based on the opposition of the two complimentary forces Yin and Yang, on the idea of cosmic breath, on vital energy, and on Chi (Ki in Japanese). The discipline also confers objects, for example a lamp or a table, with their own individual energy, which can vary according to form (square, rectangular, triangular, spherical) or material (wood, metal, brick, plastic). [see: WARM UP > cocooning; LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

folding tiles: nowadays is possible to produce L-shaped tiles and large size step tiles - up to 120 x 60 cm. This technology is capable of folding finished tiles made of materials such as full body, fine porcelain stoneware with smooth, rustic or textured surfaces, through the application of heat. During production, the thermal properties of the ceramic body are monitored in order to obtain a firing curve suitable for each specific type of production, thus avoiding variations in the tone of the product’s colour. Special, high-precision machinery is used to calibrate the points and depths of the cuts on the back of the tile depending on the type of material and the fold required. Production then advances through a roller kiln, capable of adjusting the heat cycle that the tile is subjected to, in order to achieve the correct give of the material, which is then shaped through direct contact against a shaped base. The cooled tile is then finished with a water jet cutting machine to achieve the final size. [source: www.levikurve.it] [see: LOOK AHEAD > innovation]

frost resistance: highly depends on the porosity and on the water absorption: the lower the values are, the less the chances of damage by frost will be. Therefore tiles that have low porosity levels can be installed outdoors. [see: PRESERVE > durability]

full-body (homogenous): it is a feature of unglazed porcelain stoneware tiles where the surface is the same as the body. In case of accidental chips, colour differences will not be noticed. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

gamma radiation: not corporeal in nature, but rather electromagnetic radiation whose power of penetration is significantly greater than other types of radiation. When a nucleus emits a particle it separates into two fragments, one represented by a (alpha) and the other by ß (beta) according to what remains of the original nucleus (these emissions are known as disintegration, decay or transmutation). Following the emission of a and ß radiation, the nucleus is found in a state of agitation and emits ? (gamma) rays during its return to its fundamental state. In this way there is a balancing of the new nucleus that leads to a lowering of its potential nuclear energy. The spontaneous emission of gamma rays, as with any natural or artificial spontaneous decay, is an eso-energetic process. [see: TAKE CARE > radon exposure]

Giga Joule (GJ): MKS system unit of measure for work or for energy. The force of one Newton fulfils the work of one Joule when its point of application is moved one metre in the direction of the force, e.g. 1 Joule = 1 Newton x 1 metre. 1 Giga Joule (GJ) = 1,000,000,000 Joules. [see: REDUCE > energy]

glazed tiles: are tiles with a layer of coloured glass, which gives the product its colour, brightness, hardness and waterproof properties. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

Green Building Council Italia (GBC-Italia): is a voluntary association of companies, authorities and organizations that pursue the objective of transforming the market by the development and adaptation of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to the Italian reality in such a way that ‘green buildings’ - buildings of low environmental impact - become everyday buildings and are accepted as elements rooted in society. [see: LOOK AHEAD > LEED; LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

gresification: ’The term g. is sometimes used as substituted of ‘vitrification’. However g.indicates a lesser degree of vitrification, such as that obtained with stoneware as compared to porcelain. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): refers to the presence or absence of air pollutants in and around buildings, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants. [see: comfort; TAKE CARE > health & safety]

Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC): Directive 2008/1/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 January 2008. This Directive (“the IPPC Directive”), which replaces Directive 96/61/EC, requires industrial and agricultural activities with a high pollution potential to have a permit. This permit can only be issued if certain environmental conditions are met, so that the companies themselves bear responsibility for preventing and reducing any pollution they may cause. [see: REDUCE > IPPC] [Source: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/environment/waste_management/l28045_en.htm]

ionogenic radiation: ionogenic radiation is composed of particles and electromagnetic waves capable of extremely high penetration of materials. This allows the radiation to move electrons that it encounters in its path from one atom to another. In this way the atoms, buffeted by the radiation, lose their neutrality (which consists in having an equal number of protons and electrons) and gain an electronic charge, becoming ionised. Ionisation can provoke chemical phenomena in living organisms that can lead to lesions observable at both the cellular level as well as within the organism. One speaks of somatic damage when the radiation damages the cellular and extra-cellular structures and of genetic damage when it provokes changes in the genetic structure. The radioactive substances found in nature represent one-tenth of the total and consist of nuclides with atomic numbers greater than 82 (lead) and less than or equal to 92 (uranium). There is a much greater number of artificial ones, composed of radioactive elements with an atomic number greater or equal to 93 (transuranium) and of artificial isotopes formed from stable elements (radioisotopes). [Source: www.prismanet.com/barsanti/scienze/radiazioni.htmt] [see: radon; TAKE CARE > radon exposure]

ISO 14001: is the most important standard within the ISO 14000 series. Adherence to these standards is voluntary. ISO 14001 specifies the requirements of an environmental management system (EMS) for small to large organizations. An EMS is a systemic approach to handling environmental issues within an organization. The ISO 14001 standard is based on the Plan-Check-Do-Review-Improve cycle. [see: EMAS; REDUCE > ISO 14001]

joint: it refers to the distance separating one tile from another. Joints between floor tiles allow expansion and adjustment to stress, moisture and thermal shocks. [see: thermal expansion; dampness expansion; PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

kaolin (also kaoline): a fine white clay used in the manufacture of porcelain. From Chinese Kaoling Chinese mountain where supplies for Europe were first obtained (from kao high + ling hill). It is also called ‘china clay’ or ‘china stone’. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

klinker tiles: see clinker tiles

lapping finish: it refers to a tile which surface has been matted through an abrasion process using a diamond grinding wheel and compressed air. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

laser decoration: the laser is applied directly to the fired and finished tile after firing so the ceramic decoration does not require any additional firing: an engraving tool modulates and directs the laser beam onto the glazed surface of the product, engraving the graphic file selected. There is no contact; there is no need for inks or dyes and no processing after engraving. There is a very rapid rise in temperature at the point where the laser beam comes into contact with the fired glazed surface, lasting just a few hundredths of a second, although the actual duration and temperature can be programmed. This causes the recrystallisation of the glaze, resulting in an ultra high gloss effect. Decorations can be obtained on non-textured, glossy and/or matt surfaces that have intense depth, gradual shading and high contrast for the details. The strengths of this project are its speed and resolution. [source: www.gpiii.com] [see: continua pre-compacting technology; dry silk-screen printing; multicolor inkjet printing system; Rotodigit; LOOK AHEAD > innovation]

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): the term LCA, now in common usage, was first used during the 1990 SETAC (Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry) congress in Vermont, USA, in order to better characterize the analyses carried out until then under the name REPA. Based on the definition supplied by SETAC in 1993 the Life Cycle Assessment is an objective procedure to evaluate the energetic and environmental burden of a product, process or activity. [see: LOOK AHEAD > LCA]

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): is an ecology-oriented building certification program run under the auspices of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED concentrates its efforts on improving performance across five key areas of environmental and human health: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, materials selection, sustainable site development, and water savings. [see: GBC-Italia; LOOK AHEAD > LEED; LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

majolica: is a soft earthenware ceramic, fired to the ‘biscuit’ or unglazed stage at approximately 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is often richly coloured and decorated, especially earthenware of this type produced in Italy. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

massive mechanical features: concern the load bearing strength (for example the weight of people and furniture on a floor) to which the tiled surface may be exposed. We call them ‘massive’ since they refer to the tile's ‘mass’ and in order to distinguish them from the ‘surface’ features that concern its surface. The mechanical features are the bending strength and the breaking stress. The first one concerns the material the tile is made of, and it is directly proportional to the water absorption. The breaking stress is a property peculiar to a finished tile, with its own structure and size. Therefore, it is directly proportional to its thickness. Among these features we also find the impact strength. [see: surface mechanical features; PRESERVE > durability]

mSv/year: regulations formed to reduce the risk of ionised radiation fix precise limits of doses that are expressed in milliSv/year (or mSv/year). Italian legislation only addresses risks to exposure to radon found in the workplace (D. Lgs 230/95), while in the home reference is made to the recommendations of the European Union. Nevertheless all of the regulations fix ‘recommended values’, values of radon concentration above which it is necessary to take measures to reduce these values. A situation is considered acceptable when it is below the ‘recommended values.’ [Source: www.italprotezione.it/leggi.htm] [see: TAKE CARE > radon exposure]

multicolor inkjet printing system: with the aim of going beyond the limits of the classic four-colour process this technology offers the possibility to use up to six different basic colours at the same time with high chromatic intensity. [source: www.kerajet.com] [see: continua pre-compacting technology; dry silk-screen printing; laser decoration; Rotodigit; LOOK AHEAD > innovation]

porcelain stoneware: tiles are obtained from raw materials such as kaolin, feldspars or different granulometry quartz sands, mixed with coloured oxides. This mixture is then dry-pressed or fired at temperatures of up to 1250°C to obtain very compact and high quality tiles. Porcelain tiles can be full-body or glazed. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

porosity: the tile porosity provides an immediate indication of the water absorption, which reaches the lowest levels with porcelain stoneware. The products with higher levels of water absorption are mono-porous, majolica tiles, cottoforte and terracotta. [see: PRESERVE > durability]

quartziferous sand: raw material widely used in the ceramics industry and which carries out a structural function, limiting dimensional variations in the firing due to its presence in the clay mixture. These sands, whose value is assigned on the basis of purity and fineness, are found on all five continents and are present in all the European countries. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

radon: is a colourless, odourless, naturally occurring gas, continuously generated from radium by the radioactive decay of Uranium 238 together with ionising radiation (IR). [see: TAKE CARE > radon exposure]

rectifying process: is a process of grinding the edges of fired tiles to allow for butt jointed installation; thus the grout lines are barely visible granting a uniform smoothness effect. [see: joint; PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

refractory: material with a high melting point; used – for instance - to line the inside walls of a furnace. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

Rotodigit: System, the Fiorano based company has now a new process innovation to present, which aims to allow the traditional Rotocolor lines to exploit the added value that digital technology offers in terms of graphic performance and definition, while holding on to the advantages of the traditional technology in terms of colour development, structure and – last but by no means least – costs. (It was indeed System that ‘invented’ Rotocolor, which has now become standard technology all over the world, with 15 thousand machines installed across the globe.) [source: www.italiatiles.com /QOL/Archivio.nsf] [see: continua pre-compacting technology; dry silk-screen printing; laser decoration; multicolor inkjet printing system; LOOK AHEAD > innovation]

safety features: these features particularly preside over the safety of tiled areas regarding accidental or sanitary risks. The main safety feature, also very important for outdoor, public and industrial areas, is the slip resistance, which is inversely proportional to the surface friction coefficient. Safety features also include lead and cadmium cession (metals sometimes contained in glazes), which must be checked when a contact with food substances is forecast, for example kitchen countertops. [see: surface finishing;antibacterial glazes; TAKE CARE > health & safety]

shade: is the colour tone that features a particular batch of tiles. The shade is often marked by a letter which is stamped onto the pack (Shade A, Shade B). Be sure to check this information at receipt as the shade can vary from one batch to another. [see: work size; PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS): the term is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints of sick building syndrome may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. see: TAKE CARE > health & safety; LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

silica: the dioxide form of silicon, SiO2, occurring esp. as quartz sand, flint, and agate. Used usually in the form of its prepared white powder chiefly in the manufacture of glass, water glass, ceramics, and abrasives. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

single firing: process in which the glaze and clay are fired at the same time. Prior to the development of s.f. in the 80s, the method generally used in Italy was double firing. New technology has led to the creation of a much thinner product, reducing production and transportation costs. The tile in s.f. is also more resistant and can be used for commercial pavements subjected to a high intensity of traffic. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

slip resistance: is the main safety feature, also very important for outdoor, public and industrial areas. It is inversely proportional to the surface friction coefficient. [see: anti-slip; surface finishing; TAKE CARE > health & safety]

surface mechanical features: these features refer to the working surface of the tile and they can be associated with the resistance to scratches, wear and deterioration, due to the handling/moving of hard bodies on the surface and in contact with it. These features are very significant in case of floors. The most important one is the abrasion resistance. [see: PRESERVE > durability]

surface finishing: is the working processing of a tile in order to achieve certain surface roughness conditions and shape and size allowances. The natural/matt finishing is very versatile and it has a universal application; the semi-polished effect enhances the aesthetic values of the material by increasing its brilliance and elegance to such degree as to overcome the natural marbles gloss; the bush-hammering processing is carried out with tools like chisel, cap, etc., in order to obtain a rustic, rough surface; the textured finishing solves the slipperiness problem, caused by water or particular environmental conditions. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

sustainability: among the definitions of s., that given in the Brundtland Report (mentioned often within this site) has generated various new variations. For example, according to the editor of Econews Guy Dauncey, “Sustainability is a condition of existence that allows the present generation (of the human and other species) to enjoy social well-being, a viable economy and a healthy environment, (…) without compromising the capacity of future generations (human and not) to benefit from these in equal measure. [see: eco-compatibility]

thermal bridge: non-isolating element that provokes a rapid dispersion of heat from one material to another. A t.b. occurs as the result of discontinuity, joints or connections, and is the cause of inefficiency, energy waste and condensation phenomena resulting from sudden local variations in temperature. [see: LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

thermal expansion: as regards to t. e., no major differences exist between the various types of tiles, though a slight increase has been noticed in the presence of a great vitreous phase, which means in products with a more compact, vitrified body. [see: thermo-hygrometric features; PRESERVE > durability]

thermal shock resistance: sudden changes in temperature (for example, when a hot pot is placed on top of a kitchen tiled counter-top) and exposure to frost, should not cause any damage to the tile at all. [see: thermo-hygrometric features; PRESERVE > durability]

thermo-hygrometric features: these features describe the resistance to specific temperatures (‘thermo’) and dampness (‘hygrometric’) conditions, such as thermal shock and frost resistance and for glazed tiles only, crazing resistance. Further thermo-hygrometric features are represented by thermal expansion and dampness expansion, that is to say the measurement of the tile dimensions increase, when submitted to higher temperature and dampness levels. [see: PRESERVE > durability]

Total Quality Environmental Management (TQEM): integration of environmental objectives within a business’s essential practices through a management system where quality is defined on the basis of the identification of the causes of environmental problems and solutions for their resolution. An on-going revision of these practices leads to a continuous improvement of products and processes. According to the ‘TQEM Primer’ of GEMI, there are four key elements in TQEM: Identification of the client: in TQEM environmental quality is established through the preferences of the client. Purchasers, local communities, ecology groups and the overall public are considered ‘external clients’ while office and factory workers represent the ‘internal clients’ of a business. Continuous improvement: management and employees of a company need to work systematically for the improvement of environmental performance. The involvement of everyone is fundamental to the successful application of TQEM. Act correctly from the very beginning: the elimination of environmental risks (through prevention) is a vital element of TQEM. As such employees are called on to identify and eliminate all possible environmental problems. Systemic approach: it is important to conceive the various components of TQEM integrally in order to guarantee the correct functioning and mutual support necessary to achieve the desired objectives. [see: SHARE > benchmarking]

thrice fired: this term was initially used to describe a thermal cycle made at a maximum temperature not greater than 800°C. The definition of thrice-firing originated from the fact that the ceramic objects had already been subject to a first baking of the ceramic body and a second baking of the enamel coat. The third firing was destined, thus, to the baking of the final decoration in the final production of tableware, dishes, and more recently, of the ceramic tiles. In the case of the tile it is used especially for the so-called ‘trim tiles’, through techniques aimed at giving the tiles an appreciable aesthetic effect. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

ventilated wall (or envelope): an opaque façade covered externally with elements (slabs) of various kinds, assembled by means of suspension devices and mechanical style fixings. This covering is connect ed to the structure (supporting layer), i.e. the perimeter wall of the building, by means of an appropriate anchoring system. [see: REDUCE > energy > ventilated wall]

vernacular architecture: term for the form of architectural production documented in the historical-constructive tradition typical of a specific location, also defined by the term ‘spontaneous architecture’ (as opposed to authorial architecture), and which surprises for the happy synthesis of climate-form-material. It is poor but knowledgeable building form, made with material found in the surrounding environment. Thanks to a major attention to environmental and social problematics v. a. has arrived in recent years to the status of history after having been relegated to the lesser place of minor architecture or confined to the disciplinary limits of anthropologic culture. The evolution and slow growth that antique societies underwent allowed them to integrate their practice into a lengthy and well-considered process of reproduction, always adapted to natural constrictions. Edouard Goldsmith (founder of The Ecologist and one of the driving forces of the ecology movement on the international level) affirms: “It is because vernacular society has adapted its mode of life to the surrounding environment that has made it durable, and because industrial society on the contrary has forced the environment to adapt to its mode of life that places its survival into question.” [see: LOOK AHEAD > sustainable design]

vernacular building: see vernacular architectur

vitrification: progressive partial fusion of a ceramic mixture, clay, feldspar, enamel etc. provoked by the increase in temperature during the firing process. Through this process the quantity of the vitreous phase increases and the apparent porosity of the material decreases. A ceramic body is completely vitrified if the glass fills the pores between the grains completely, cementing them shut. The most important variables in the vitrification process are the initial size distribution of the particles, the viscosity of the vitreous phase and, to a lesser degree, surface tension. The term v. is sometimes substituted with ‘gresification’, which however indicates a lesser degree of vitrification, such as that obtained with stoneware as compared to porcelain. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

vitrified stoneware: tile obtained by pressing with very low total porosity, produced from white-body that may also be uniformly- or multi-coloured through a mixture of dustings or granules of different sizes and colours. The composition of the mixture is very similar to white-body stoneware but the raw materials are chosen in such a way as to maintain a minimum percentage of iron oxide. The mixture is pressed with specific loads 50% greater than those of vitrified white-body enamel. The firing is conducted with a cycle of less than one hour and a temperature of around 1,200° C. The tile can also be polished, either before or after installation, in order to highlight its aesthetic qualities. It is resistant to frost, acids and bases and has an elevated mechanical resistance. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

work size: it refers to the manufacturing dimensions of a tile and it is always reported on the package. It can be either slightly above or below the nominal size reported in the catalogue. Due to manufacturing technology reasons, in fact, the tiles leaving the kiln may be of slightly different dimensions. Therefore, during the grade sorting stage, they are divided and grouped into batches of the same dimensions, according to the standards tolerance provided for by specific regulations. Like the colour shade, the work size is also displayed on the pack, as follows: 20 x 20 cm (W 198 mm x 198 mm) where 198 mm stands for the manufacturing dimension. Or: 20 x 20 cm - Size 01. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

zirconium silicate: derived from zirconium sand utilised by the ceramic industry to give opacity and whiteness to the glazing, and whiteness to vitrified stoneware or to the ceramic mass. [see: PRESERVE > ceramic/values]

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