PVD hard coatings on ceramic tiles for aesthetic applications: surface characterisation and corrosion properties

The development of innovative ceramic tiles looks for materials with improved mechanical and tribological properties as well a higher corrosion resistance (high relative humidity, daily watering, household chemical cleaners). In addition, greater durability leads to lower environmental impact. Along their functionality recyclability, should also provide aesthetic properties. Ceramic can be treated modify the physico-chemical surface by metal coatings or metallic compounds, providing an attractive sheen appearance. present paper, titanium nitride (TiN) zirconium (ZrN) were deposited on glazed porcelain stoneware industrial PVD multicathode arc deposition system under reactive nitrogen atmosphere. After process, showed gold-like colour, smooth coating thickness between 0.7 1.6 ?m. composition, scratch behaviour have been evaluated. It concluded that both are suitable use in domestic environments due stability aggressive conditions. Few references found regarding these applications, but it has proved they bring added value traditional ceramics, giving new functional ceramics decorative highly resistance.