Environmentally friendly processing of ceramics and glass (CERAMGLASS)
 Financial source:European Union Code: LIFE11 ENV/ES/560 |
Research head: Period: Research group: |
The general objective of the ‘CERAMGLASS’ project is to reduce the environment impact of thermal treatment of ceramics by the successful application of an innovative laser-furnace technology on planar ceramics and glass. The project plans to construct a pilot plant based on the innovative combination of a continuous furnace and a scanning laser. It aims at demonstrating a considerable reduction in energy consumption and the industrial scalability of the process. The project primarily aims at showing that it is feasible to produce robust ceramic tile of only 4 mm thick. This would represent a 50% reduction in tile thickness, with consequent reduction in consumption of raw source materials. The project will adapt decoration compositions with more environmentally friendly materials by using the laser processing. Specifically it will adapt screen printing decorations to third-fire products with lustre and metallic effects and decoration inks for planar glass. The replacement of toxic starting materials will allow a minimisation of CO2 and other gas emissions, toxic residues and a reduction of the energy consumption of the process.