SELF-SANITISING PORCELAIN & CERAMIC SURFACES

Reducing the need for harsh chemical disinfectants while controlling microbial growth is increasingly important in both domestic and public spaces. NANOARC's proprietary Quant-Ceramic solutions enable the self-sanitisation of ceramic surfaces, offering a means to lower chemical usage and helping combat antimicrobial resistance.

UNDERSTANDING ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION

The zone of inhibition (ZOI) is the clear area that forms around an antimicrobial agent where bacteria are completely absent. It represents the boundary within which bacterial growth has been effectively prevented. The size of the ZOI is influenced by several factors, including the composition of the antimicrobial agent, particle size and concentration.

QUANT-CERAMICS™ - TRANSCENDING CONVENTION 

QUANT-CERAMIC (Q-CERAMICS™) materials differ significantly from conventional antimicrobial materials due to their exceptional performance under conditions in which traditional materials may fail. 

In antimicrobial applications, QUANT-CERAMIC materials remain active in both illuminated and dark environments. By contrast, many conventional materials require photo-activation to function effectively. This distinction is particularly important in the oral environment, which is predominantly dark.

In many cases, the ZOI produced by QUANT-CERAMIC materials can be two to four times larger than that of standard nanomaterials. The antimicrobial effect may extend several centimetres, meaning that porcelain and ceramic systems incorporating QUANT-CERAMIC materials, offer protection as a result, simply coating or incorporating low concentrations of QUANT-CERAMICS nanoadditives into a ceramic blend, to significantly inhibit bacterial proliferation.

The integrity of ceramic and porcelain tiles is largely determined by pores and porosity:

• Porosity refers to the proportion of voids within the material, typically measured by the water a tile can absorb as a percentage of its own weight. High porosity creates internal mechanical weaknesses.

• Pores are surface openings that can trap dirt, bacteria and other agents of degradation.

These structural features contribute to cracking, staining and long-term wear, threatening the durability of ceramic products.

THE IMPACT OF PORES & POROSITY

• Porosity can cause staining during grouting, especially with coloured grouts.

• Surface pores increase friction and provide niches for bacteria and dirt accumulation

• Pores and cracks allow agents of degradation to penetrate, ultimately leading to structural failure

Conventional ceramic standards do not quantify surface pores, yet their effects are as damaging as internal porosity.

HOW QUANT-CERAMIC NANOADDITIVES STRENGTHEN TILES

Our Quant-Ceramic nanoadditives are designed at a scale 100,000 times smaller than a human hair, enabling them to:

• Fill sub-micron surface crevices and pores

• Reduce overall porosity in the ceramic composite

• Lower water permeability, reducing frost-related cracking

Even at doses as low as 0.001 wt% these additives enhance tile strength, enabling the production of thinner lighter tiles—potentially doubling output from the same raw materials.

APPLICATIONS & BENEFITS

Quant-Ceramic nanoadditives can be integrated in two ways:

1. AS PART OF THE CERAMIC COMPOSITE

• Reinforces mechanical strength

• Reduces porosity and staining

• Enables thinner more efficient products

2. AS A SURFACE COATING

• Improves workability (ideal for 3D printing)

• Provides antimicrobial and anti-fungal protection

• Enhances mechanical durability and aesthetic longevity

Improves heat transfer, scratch resistance and even radiation shielding

THE SCIENCE OF QUANT-CERAMICS

Quantum effects appear in nanomaterials when at least one dimension falls below a critical size (often <20 nm). These quantum materials exhibit unique properties that distinguish them from conventional nanomaterials, including:

• Consistent antimicrobial activity in both light and dark environments—critical for protecting hidden crevices where bacteria thrive

• Greater efficiency, requiring lower doses to achieve superior antimicrobial performance

Unlike regular materials, Q-Ceramics maintain activity even in dark moist areas where pathogens typically proliferate.

RECOMMENDED Q-CERAMIC PRODUCTS

• CERAM QUANT MG

• CERAM-QUANT NANOFILLER

• CERAM QUANTFLEX

• CERAM Q-KIN

These products are formulated for integration into both composites and surface glazes, delivering robust performance in a range of applications.

SUPERIOR ANTIMICROBIAL PROTECTION

The zone of inhibition (ZOI) measures the effectiveness of an antimicrobial agent. Quantum materials can double or quadruple the ZOI compared to conventional materials, offering:

• Extensive antimicrobial coverage with minimal material

• Reduced need for harsh chemical cleaning

• Long-lasting protection on tiles in homes, hospitals, hotels and public spaces

Applied either as part of the ceramic matrix or as a thin coating, Q-Ceramic nanoadditives dramatically reduce bacterial proliferation, helping prevent microbial resistance and enhancing hygiene.