An experimental procedure for the estimation of the Porcelain Enamel Composite mechanical performances

Enamelling of metals is nowadays becoming topical, due to engineered features of the porcelain enamel. Porcelain enamel has widely been recognised as a protective (durable) coating for metalware. Surface engineered components by porcelain enamel make high value added products, because of chemical stability, abrasive wear resistance, self-cleaning property, and recycling capability; all proper to the porcelain enamel. They are used in variety of places, including hospital (clean rooms), food processing plants, chemical plants (pipe, pressure vessels, etc). Porcelain enamel composites are inherently versatile, and have outstanding chemical and mechanical properties. The background literature to the mechanical standard test method of the porcelain enamel composite, is totally absent. Young’s modulus of the porcelain enamel has not been estimated yet. Object of this work is to set up (to develop) an experimental procedure, for the estimation of the porcelain enamel composite mechanical performances, by combined use (simultaneous use) of “Three point bending test” and “A.E. (Acoustic Emission)” techniques. Fundamental goal is to estimate (evaluate) Young’s modulus of the porcelain enamel coating. Key aspects of the experimental work are concerned with accurancy of measurements, the repeatability and reproducibility of the test method, (and the industrial applicability of the measurement method to different types of porcelain enamel coatings).