Ceramic surfaces with microbiological action for healthcare buildings

In the present study, porcelain stoneware tile samples, having a silver doped surface, with antibacterial characteristics, were prepared. The microstructure of the fired samples was studied with the aid of a scanning electron microscope, equipped with an energy dispersion X-ray attachment. Vickers hardness and surface roughness were also assessed. The presence of silver does not meaningfully change the physical and mechanical characteristics of the standard and silver added surfaces. The antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC 25922) was examined, setting up a methodology useful for hard surfaces. The achieved results allowed to identify the main processing problems of such body mixes, modified with silver, for a possible future industrial developments.