Electrospun SiO2 "necklaces" on unglazed ceramic tiles: a planarizing strategy. (May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Mauro, Alessandro; Fragalà, Maria Elena
• Is Part Of: Superlattices and microstructures. Volume 81(2015)
• Page Start: 265
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2015-05
• Subjects: Ceramic tiles -- Electrospinning -- PVP -- Spin on glass -- Surface planarization; Superlattices as materials -- Periodicals; Microstructure -- Periodicals; Semiconductors -- Periodicals; Superréseaux -- Périodiques; Microstructure (Physique) -- Périodiques; Semiconducteurs -- Périodiques; 621.38152
• DOI: 10.1016/j.spmi.2015.01.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0749-6036

Abstract

Highlights: Silica based nanofibres are electrospun on unglazed ceramic tiles. Fibres coverage is able to cover the typical unevenness and asperity of tile surface. Thermal anneal converts PVP–Accuglass fibres in SiO2 "necklaces". Combined electrospinning/sol–gel processes are suitable for planarizing strategy. Ceramic tile aesthetical aspect is preserved. Abstract: Silica based nanofibres have been deposited on unglazed ceramic tiles by combining electrospinning and sol–gel processes. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) alcoholic solutions and commercial spin on glass (Accuglass) mixtures have been used to obtain composite fibrous non-woven mats totally converted, after thermal annealing at 600 °C, to SiO2 microsphere "necklaces". The possibility to get an uniform fibres coverage onto the tile surface confirms the validity of electrospinning (easily scalable to large surface samples) as coating strategy to cover the macroscopic defects typical of the polished unglazed tile surface and improve surface planarization.