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Porcelain enamel is an inorganic, glassy coating fused at high
temperatures to form a mechanical and chemical bond with a metal
substrate. The glass is permanently fused to pre-formed metal in a
furnace under temperatures as high as 1550°F. Molten glass and
red-hot metal are inseparably bonded to form a rock-hard finish,
which will not scratch, rust, fade, or peel. The main ingredient
in porcelain enamel is a product called “frit.” There are literally
hundreds of frit formulations. The most important basic ingredients
include silica, borax, soda ash, fluorspar and sodium silica
fluoride. There are numerous additives such as clays, electrolytes,
and metal oxides to suspend the glass, provide the desired color,
and enhance the properties such as heat resistance and bond.
Porcelain enamel can be made with many metals, including cast
iron and aluminum. However, over 85% of porcelain is used on steel.
The glass properties of the porcelain enamel finish make it
superior to organic materials, such as paint. Porcelain enamel is a
hard, scratch-resistant coating that remains colorfast and glossy
after years of use. Porcelain enamel’s smooth, glassy finish cleans
easily and is resistant to acidic and alkaline chemicals. Porcelain
enamel is extremely heat resistant, generally able to withstand
temperatures up to 1000°F. |
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