Frits - Spanish sector EPD

Frits are vitreous inorganic substances, practically insoluble in water, which are obtained by melting, at high temperatures (>1500ºC), a mixture of raw materials which, in turn, can be of natural or synthetic origin. The molten mass is rapidly cooled with air or water, giving rise to a glassy mass called frit. Consequently, frits have a glassy structure, formed by structural units that do not repeat at regular distances.

From the point of view of industrial processes for the manufacture of ceramic floor and wall tiles, frits are elaborated raw materials used to prepare engobes, glazes and inks, providing a series of properties that improve the appearance and functionality of ceramic tiles. They provide properties such as wear resistance, impermeability, hardness and the ability to create a decorative surface.

The uses and applications for which frits are intended cover a wide range, from ceramic use (the most common) to more specific uses focused on industrial sectors such as the manufacture of flat and/or hollow glass, photovoltaic, medical, electronics, construction, automotive, galvanizing/glazing of metal surfaces and traditional and artistic ceramics.

The frits are supplied already mixed with the rest of the raw materials of the glazes and digital inkjet inks or as such in big bags.