tiles: non slip surface

updated tue 13 mar 01

Linda Blossom on sat 3 mar 01

"It would seem that using a sand with jagged particles either mixed into the
glaze or sprinkled onto the surface of the glaze before firing would be
appropriate. Any suggestions about what to use for this material?"
How about the aggregate that is added to paint to make sand paint? It is
not jagged but would provide traction. Why do these tiles have to be so
thick?

Linda
Ithaca, NY

Linda Stanier on sat 3 mar 01

Hello out there.  I have been commissioned to make decorative tiles for the new hospital in my area.  The tiles will be 8 inches round and 3/4 inch thick with morter keys on the back.  They will be installed in existing walkways approx 6 feet from one another.  I am faced with several challenges.  The hospital is located in northern Alberta Canada.  Because they are exterior floor tiles there is the obvious concern with freeze thaw cycles and moisture absorbtion.  The second concern is the surface of the tiles.  I would like a non slip surface that doesnt interfere with the integrity of the slip decoration.  It would seem that using a sand with jagged particles either mixed into the glaze or sprinkled onto the surface of the glaze before firing would be approriate.  Any suggestions about what to use for this material?  Ever heard of calcium zirconium silicate?  Would this work?  If so where do I access this material?
  I am sure that others out there have been faced with a similar problem so any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.  Lots of questions, I know.  Hope someone can help.  Thanks
so much.

Linda Stanier

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Logan Oplinger on mon 12 mar 01

Linda,

The temp. to which the tiles are fired to, and the type of clay will dete=
rmine their suitability/survivability in winter. Others have written abo=
ut this on Clayart, and info. should be available in the archives.

A construction company I once worked for used granular aluminum oxide (co=
rundum) as an additive to sprinkle onto concrete to make it non-skid. It=
is also used by manufacturers of quarry tile to make the surface non-ski=
d. This material may be available from construction supply companies. Y=
ou may also try a high-fire grog such as Ione. Both of these materials s=
hould survive firing to at least cone 10 as they are quite refractory. S=
ilica sand may not because the sharp edges would be the first part to go =
into the glaze melt


---- you wrote:=20
....Because they are exterior floor tiles there is the obvious concern wit=
h freeze thaw cycles and moisture absorbtion.=A0 The second concern is th=
e surface of the tiles.=A0 I would like a non slip surface that doesnt in=
terfere with the integrity of the slip decoration.=A0 It would seem that =
using a sand with jagged particles either mixed into the glaze or sprinkl=
ed onto the surface of the glaze before firing would be approriate.=A0 An=
y suggestions about what to use for this material?=A0 Ever heard of calci=
um zirconium silicate?=A0 Would this work?=A0 If so where do I access thi=
s material?



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