The innovation of PorCoating - Functional and intelligent coatings for porcelain - lies in the introduction of new features that have not yet been widely explored on the market. These innovations include porcelain with multiple functionalities and improved mechanical resistance in various aspects, such as bending, traction and impact on the edge. The proposed solution will enable the development of a new product with the potential to enter new markets. The company leading the project is looking to expand its participation in the 50 or so countries where it already operates.
Having analyzed the solutions already on the market and identified their limitations, especially with regard to improving the mechanical strength of porcelain, which is currently achieved mainly by adding additives to the paste or glaze of the ceramic piece, the PorCoating team is aware of the scientific and technical risks that need to be overcome. One of the most significant challenges is the difficulty of adhering coatings. To resolve this issue, intensive industrial research and experimental development will be required. As a mitigation measure, the researchers propose the application of an extra transparent coating/film by Physiacal Vapor Deposition (PVD), i.e. Physical Vapor Deposition, in order to improve the overall adhesion of the coatings.
The PorCoating project stands out for its ambition and high degree of innovation. The introduction of new properties and characteristics in porcelain could represent a significant advance for the sector. However, it is essential to consider possible interactive effects that could compromise the project's final objectives. With a well-defined strategy and the overcoming of technical challenges, the project has the potential to revolutionize the porcelain market, bringing more resistant and versatile products to consumers.
The project, approved under the SIID - Corporate R&D - Co-promoted Operations (Mpr-2023-07) of Portugal 2030, is led by the company Porcelanas da Costa Verde, S.A., in consortium with the companies Kerajet, S.A., Coatit - Desenvolvimento de Superfícies Inteligentes, Lda, Universidade de Aveiro (UAveiro), and CENTIVC - Center for Nanotechnology and Technical, Functional and Intelligent Materials. At UAveiro, the project is the responsibility of researcher Sílvia Soreto, with the involvement of researchers from the Institute of Nanostructures, Nanomodelling and Nanofabrication (i3N-FSCOSD), Department of Physics.
PorCoating will be supported by Compete 2030 under the Business Competitiveness Research and Development Incentive Scheme, involving an eligible investment of €1,289,844.96, resulting in an ERDF incentive of €929,336.12.