SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: Porcelain Fixtures By: Greg Przyk Gizzie Arku Nathan Fleming

History of Porcelain  Porcelain is ceramic products that are baked at high temperatures (over1450 degrees Celsius), which end up having vitreous qualities, such as translucence and low porosity.  Originated in China in the 13 th century. It then became popular in England.  Porcelain is made up of clays, feldspar, and silica.  Some porcelain fixtures found in a common household are: Toilets, sinks, bathtubs, bidets, and light fixtures.

Early Use of Porcelain In Construction  In the 20 th century, porcelain was used in the construction industry for light fixtures and electrical components (From the 1920s to the 1950s). Porcelain was then used for bathroom and kitchen components, such as sinks and toilets.

Recycling/Reusing Porcelain Material The advantages of recycling porcelain materials: It is an extremely hard material that will not break down. It will reduce the amount of landfill materials. It will increase your LEED points. It has a zero absorption component.

How We Recycle/Reuse Porcelain Materials  Initially, porcelain is a fine clay. When it is mixed with water, it becomes a soft, malleable material. When it’s introduced to extreme heat at approximately 2500 degrees F, it is then cooled and glazed, and becomes a strong, long lasting material. At the same time, it is very fragile.

How To Recycle Porcelain Toilet material  Standard toilets found in households across the country are generally made of porcelain.  While porcelain toilets will typically last many years with proper care and regular maintenance, they certainly don't last forever. If your toilet finally gives out on you, or if you would just like an upgrade, you will have to dispose of that old toilet. Instead of throwing it out and wasting the porcelain, you can actually recycle the toilet so it can be made into something new.  Typically, every local municipality will have some sort of porcelain recycling Program. Sometimes, toilets will be left at the curb to be picked up. They are recycled by the dump they are taken to.

How to Recycle Ceramic Tile Porcelain Materials into a Wonderful Mosaic  Break the ceramic tiles into small pieces with a hammer, apply a teaspoon of tile adhesive to each broken piece and stick the pieces of ceramic tile on to a old table or other surface. Work quickly to glue each piece down because tile adhesive dries fast. Wear latex gloves to protect your hands.  Apply a coloured gout with a squeegee or putty knife to finish the ceramic tile mosaic project. Wipe the mosaic with a clear rag or towel and add a clear glaze, if you like, to make the mosaic shiny.

Reusing Porcelain (GLASS RECYCLED)  Porcelain fixtures that have become worn out or damaged, may be 100% recycled, and used to make new porcelain products.  Some popular porcelain products that are made from its recycled material are counter tops, flooring - even mulch.  GLASS RECYCLED is a company that takes used porcelain, and allows for it to be used in gardening. It is environmentally friendly, will enhance growing, helps retain soil moisture, and reduces evaporation. They also specialize in floors and counter tops.  Porcelain that is used in landscaping does not have any sharp edges, which makes it hazard-free.

Porcelain Going Green  Porcelain can be recycled into many different types of fixtures; thus, reducing the amount of virgin materials and energy that would be used to manufacture brand new porcelain products.  This also reduces cost for the manufacturer and the consumer.

Porcelain of the Future  Improvements made in porcelain have increased productivity and energy efficiency.  A German kiln manufacturer developed a prefabricated tunnel kiln for fast firing, high quality porcelain, that can be produced in less than 5 hours.  The kiln uses high-velocity burners, and an automatic control system.  This allows for up to 23,000 pounds of porcelain to be produced in just 24 hours.  Porcelain is also used as an insulator for current electricity.

Pictures of Porcelain