Mechanical and tribological properties of ceramic tiles: a reappraisal

In the latest years, several mechanical and tribological data have been published about ceramic tiles, including 3-point and 4-point modulus of rupture, fracture toughness, elastic moduli, Poisson coefficient, critical defect size, Weibull modulus, impact strength, creep, micro-hardness, and wear rates. Literature and unpublished data of both porous (e.g. monoporosa) and vitrified (i.e. porcelain stoneware) ceramic tiles are shortly reviewed, together with the available phase composition and micro-structural characteristics. The applicability of general mechanical and tribological models to design ceramic tiles with enhanced strength and wear performances is appraised and the major technological problems are outlined and discussed.