WHAT IS NANO TREATMENT ON TILES?

Nano treatment is not a coating – it is a physical bond that is fired on and is almost impenetrable. 

Porcelain tiles with a nano treatment are more dirt and stain resistant, glossier and have more intense color. 

The oily coating on top of many nano-treated tiles is something separate done to protect the tiles.  The oily top can be removed using Windex or a bit of ammonia in a mop bucket.

HOW IS NANO TREATMENT APPLIED?

Nano treatment is more complex than you might have thought. It consists of applying two different compounds up to ten layers deep to the surface of the tile, polishing between each application and then firing at 1250ºC.

A non-hazardous water soluble nano polymer compound is pressed into the microporosities of the polished porcelain tile surface. The surface is then polished and a second layer is applied, polished again and a third layer applied. The particles are smaller than the tiny pinholes and cracks in the tiles so they fill these gaps and these pores become permanently sealed.

The second compound applied is a solvent fluorine polymer then the tile is polished again. Fluoropolymers are characterized by a high resistance to solvents, acids, and bases. With repetitive plating, applied through high-pressure sanding and polishing, the nanoparticles combine with the tile substance to form an organic nanofilm with a high density and stability, which achieves the distinguishing characteristics of nano-treated tiles. Generally, at least six layers of polymer application and polishing cycles are completed then a final water wash before high-temperature firing.

The technique of application, polishing, and firing ensures that the nanoparticles polymerize evenly on the surface of the tiles. The high surface sheen of nano tiles creates a protective layer so dirt cannot penetrate the tiles and they are easier to keep clean. The granular material of the protective layer enhances the tiles’ durability and slip resistance making them suitable for both domestic and commercial applications and, fired at 1250ºC, nano-treated tiles have a hardness equivalent to that of granite.