SensiTiles
Description:
Building Material Category: Tiles and Cladding Products
Building Component Type: Wall and Floor
Alternative for Conventional Building Material: Traditional ceramic or porcelain tiles. Standard concrete flooring and wall finishes.
Introduction: Sensitiles are an innovative building material designed to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of flooring and wall surfaces. They are distinctive for their ability to glow in the dark or under low-light conditions, thanks to their luminescent properties. The technology behind Sensitiles involves embedding phosphorescent or photoluminescent materials within a base matrix, typically composed of minerals and resins.
The core process of creating Sensitiles starts with the preparation of a base material, often a blend of minerals such as silica or quartz. This base is then mixed with luminescent agents—materials that absorb light during the day and slowly release it in the dark. The mixture is bonded with durable resins to form the final tile. This combination of materials ensures that Sensitiles are not only visually striking but also robust and practical for various applications.
The key advantage of Sensitiles is their ability to store and emit light, which enhances visibility and safety in low-light conditions without relying on electrical power. This property is particularly beneficial in environments where natural light is limited or where additional lighting might be impractical. For example, Sensitiles can be used in public spaces such as airports, shopping malls, and train stations to improve navigation and safety during night-time or emergencies.
In addition to their functional benefits, Sensitiles contribute to sustainable building practices. By reducing the reliance on artificial lighting, they help lower energy consumption and associated carbon emissions. Their ability to provide ambient lighting through their luminescent properties supports energy efficiency and contributes to greener building solutions.
Furthermore, Sensitiles offer significant design flexibility. They can be incorporated into various surfaces including flooring and wall panels, providing both a practical and aesthetic solution. Their durability ensures that they can withstand high foot traffic and harsh environmental conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Composition: The base material is usually made from a blend of minerals, such as silica or quartz. The luminescent agents incorporate phosphorescent or photo luminescent materials that absorb light and emit it in dark conditions. Binders typically include resins or adhesives that hold the materials together and ensure durability.
Applicability in Climatic Zones in India: In warm and humid climate, Sensitiles are suitable where high temperatures and humidity are prevalent. Their ability to reflect and store ambient light can contribute to cooler surface temperatures and reduce glare. In temperate regions, Sensitiles enhance indoor lighting and visibility, particularly in areas with variable natural light. For hot and dry climate they can be used to reduce the need for artificial lighting in buildings by providing natural luminescence during the night.
Use: It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor flooring applications, offering safety and aesthetic benefits in commercial and residential settings. It can be used in wall cladding to create visually striking and functional surfaces that enhance visibility and design. It is suitable for use in public areas such as airports, train stations, and shopping malls, where visibility and aesthetics are crucial. It enhances safety in emergency exit routes and low-light areas by providing a visual guide in darkness.
Thermal Performance: Sensitiles do not significantly contribute to thermal insulation. They are primarily valued for their aesthetic and functional lighting properties rather than their thermal performance. While not designed for thermal insulation, they can help manage surface temperatures by reflecting light and reducing the need for additional lighting.
Thermal Conductivity: They generally have low thermal conductivity due to their composition, but this is not their primary performance metric.
Thermal Transmittance: They have low thermal transmittance, meaning they do not significantly impact the internal temperature of buildings.
Reduction in CO2 Emission: By reducing the need for artificial lighting through their luminescent properties, Sensitiles contribute to lower energy consumption and CO2 emissions. The use of Sensitiles supports sustainable building practices by incorporating energy-efficient materials that reduce overall lighting requirements.
Salient Features:
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Luminescent Properties: It glows in the dark or low-light conditions, enhancing visibility and safety.
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Aesthetic Appeal: It offers unique visual effects that can enhance the design of floors and walls.
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Durability: It is made from robust materials that withstand wear and tear in high-traffic areas.
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Energy Efficiency: It reduces reliance on artificial lighting by providing natural light emission.
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Versatility: It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including residential, commercial, and public spaces.
Indian Codes:
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IS 15622:2006 - Ceramic Tiles:Specifications for tiles used in flooring, although specific codes for Sensitiles are not yet established.
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IS 13801:1991 - Specification for Tiles:Covers general requirements for tiles, which may be applicable to new materials like Sensitiles.
International Codes:
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ISO 10545-1 to -15:Series of standards for ceramic tiles that cover performance characteristics including durability and aesthetic properties.
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ASTM C1028-21: Standard Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of Ceramic Tile and Other Hard Surfaces:Relevant for evaluating the slip resistance of tiles.
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EN 14411: European Standard for Ceramic Tiles:Includes performance requirements that could be applied to Sensitiles in terms of durability and functionality.
Sources:
Environmentally friendly, sustainable materials < https://www.sensitile.com/leed-well/ >
SensiTile materiale < https://ifdesign.com/en/winner-ranking/project/sensitile/27126>