PROJECTS

This project is aimed at developing a new ceramic tiling product intended to be used as a final coating product in external walls. This product features innovative characteristics and is part of a system designed to reduce efflorescence. Efflorescence is a pathology that occurs in buildings’ façades which consists in the unwanted depositing of salts on top of the coating material and results in an aesthetically displeasing appearance. The idea was to develop a robust system which incorporates a ceramic product with a layer that provides draining and water permeability characteristics, and which is compatible with adhesive mortars.

This project represents an investment in the field of construction materials and will generate added value to ceramic products. Their architectural and cultural importance will be promoted, while at the same time, extra durability will be given to buildings. This product is intended for use in both new construction and existing buildings renovations.

The goal of the project is to provide technical support to a new solution and help its dissemination at both national and international levels, and by doing so, to boost its commercialization in external markets. To this effect, every component of the system (adhesive and grout mortars, glues, ceramic element containing a layer that is permeable to water vapour and has draining abilities) were developed and subjected to experimental characterization tests. The possibility of applying the solution onto different base materials were studied in order to ensure that all functional requirements are met. This means that the final product is able to perform all functions demanded from an external wall coating material, such as to provide protection against weathering and mechanical actions, thermal protection, acoustic protection, watertightness, adequate permeability to water vapour and protection against fire, as well as all to meet the aesthetic requirements relative to the building’s architecture. Additionally, it was necessary to ensure the durability of the system’s characteristics. Every technical and functional requirement was defined, so as to guarantee high levels of product performance, including in terms of minimizing pathologies. This will allow the solution to stand out from other products in the market and ensure its competitiveness and economic viability.

The project was developed in partnership between Revigrés- Indústria de Revestimentos de Grés, Lda. (promotor), a company which stands in the field of ceramic coating products, Saint-Gobain Weber Portugal, S.A (co-promotor), an entity which specializes in the development and marketing of adhesives, mortars, etc., and Itecons, an non business entity of the Research and Innovation System engaged in the development and characterization of new constructive systems and processes.