Abstract

The constant necessity to improve the quality of re-coverings, through new finishing methods and colors, for example, has favored the development of new techniques that allow the achievement of effects that were, until a few years ago, difficult to obtain through the utilización of tradítional enameling techniques. In this work, the feasibility for the use of polymeric materials on ceramic surfaces was investigated, as an alternative to using enamels, traditionally utilized by industries in this sector. Aiming to obtain more detailed knowledge about the behavior of the polymeric material, several types of experiments were carried out to evaluate the useful life of this material when subjected to normal conditions of use. Among these are: visual and superficial analysis, ozone and, ultraviolet attack (UV), saline chamber and, acid chamber experiments, and the freezing test. The results obtained indicated that the use of this new technology results in a material with very pronúsing characteristics.