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Advantages
The Ceramext® technology produces a ceramic tile that has several distinct advantages over tile produced by conventional high temperature kiln processes.
Tile strength
Ceramext®-produced tile are stronger than standard grade ceramic tiles, including porcelain.
Water absorption
Ceramext® tiles are rated as impervious to absorption, with an absorption potential of less than 0.5%, similar to quality porcelain or granite tiles. Unlike granite tiles, Ceramext® tiles need no sealant. In contrast, standard non-glazed ceramic floor and wall tiles are typically rated as vitreous or semi-vitreous meaning they may absorb from 0.5% to 7% moisture, allowing the potential for stains, mold, mildew and other contaminants.
Environmentally green products
The Ceramext® technology can manufacture environmentally green ceramics from power plant ash and mining tailings, quarry fines, steel slag and other wastes that have limited or no other known uses. These products are 100% recycled waste material and certifiably green by various organizations.
Product preference by Federal and State agencies
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act passed by Congress initially in 1976 mandates federal agencies to utilize recycled products when available and feasible. Local tax incentives and grants are also available for recycling in many areas. The Ceramext® technology is capable of producing high-grade tile that is a 100% recycled product.
Disposal of Coal Fly Ash and Mining Waste materials
The disposal of waste material generated by mining was the initial goal for the Ceramext® technology. The technology has also been quite successful converting waste power plant fly ash into high quality porcelain-grade tile. Some power plants pay more than $50.00 per ton to dispose of fly ash into landfills. Instead of paying to haul the fly ash to a landfill dump it can now be processed on site into a high-quality, high-demand products using Ceramext® technology.
Low energy costs for production
Actual production costs are still being evaluated; preliminary estimates are that energy costs will be significantly less than conventional ceramic production costs. With a world-wide emphasis to reduce energy consumption and rising energy costs, this should become an even more attractive aspect of the Ceramext® technology.
Lower material costs
Obtaining high-quality clay material to process conventional ceramic tile is costly. A distinct advantage of the Ceramext® technology is that it can be situated adjacent to an existing source of waste material that will have a very low or even a negative cost.
Low startup costs
A modern, fully-automated ceramic factory using the Ceramext® technology is expected to have capitol costs less than a conventional ceramic tile factory.