Lead Free Cu-Containing Frit for Modern Metallic Glaze

A lead-free frit containing high amount of copper and its glaze conceived for fine porcelain stoneware tiles were investigated. The glazes obtained under industrial firing were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersion spectroscopy. The mechanism of the red color formation on the surface was explained. The results indicated that the glaze presents a metallic gloss and iridescent colors on the surface, mainly associated to the formation of CuO crystallites and Cu metallic particles. Moreover, the Cu glaze showed a good chemical durability; this is particularly interesting because commercial Cu frits usually present poor chemical properties.