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  • Keywords: Energy saving, functionalisation, Solar Reflectance, Solar Reflectance Index SRI

An ever increasing attention to the themes of sustainability and energy saving has induced Centro Ceramico to activate several scientific researches aimed at develop ceramic materials for energy saving.

For many years Centro Ceramico has been involved in the design, development and characterization of building materials with high Solar Reflectance. This research activity proceeds along with the measurements of the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) performed on Companies request, that estimate the contribution of several building materials to the heat-island effect

Due to the numerous measurements carried out, Centro Ceramico has a well-provided database of SRI values, reflectance spectra and thermal emissivity values of several flooring and covering materials including ceramic tiles, clay bricks, natural stones and concretes.

Regarding commercial ceramic tiles, a study has been conducted to evaluate the SRI values dependence from surface features as color, gloss and roughness.

Centro Ceramico is working on the development of ceramic coverings with high solar reflectance in the near-infrared (NIR), so to obtain ceramic surfaces looking colored (not white) able to reflect the NIR part of solar radiation and to absorb the visible part of the spectrum, so minimizing the heating of the surface coming from solar radiation. The use of high solar reflectance materials is particularly recommended for warm weather countries because it contributes to the reduction of energetic demands necessary to cool the indoor temperature of the building.

Main Scientific Papers

  1. E. Rambaldi, S. Fazio, B. Mazzanti, F. Prete, M.T. Colomer, R. Moreno. Tailored reflectivity titania-based coating. 13th International Conference and Exhibition of the European Ceramic Society. June 23-27, 2013, Limoges.
  2. A. Tenaglia, E. Rastelli, B. Mazzanti, C. Chiva-Flor. Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) measurements of glazed ceramic tiles for LEED credits. 11th International Conference and Exhibition of the European Ceramic Society, Krakow (PL), 21-25 Giugno 2009

Contacts:

Urban heat island

Ceramic tiles - solar reflectance

Solar reflectance spectra

Research Projects

  • Project INVOLUCRO
    “Innovative adaptive and sustainable systems for the building covering with high energy performance”
    Emilia Romagna Region – POR FESR 2014-2020. Asse 1. Azione 1.2.2, 2016
Progetto Involucro POR FESR ER
POR_FESR_ER
  • Project ITALICI
    “Innovation and tradition for technological advance of the heavy clay industry and internationalisation of Italian building”
    MSE – Industria 2015 – Made in Italy, 2009.

Italici

     Ind2015

  • Job Order by Confindustria Ceramica
    “The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of ceramic tiles: measurement, correlations with surface characteristics, enhancement and use within LEED certification of buildings”, 2010.

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