Happy Valentine’s Day! In the best romantic relationships, two often dissimilar partners join together to create a new, singular unit. Likewise, a finished ceramic tile generally incorporates a fired ceramic body and a glaze to create a product of beauty and utility. Unfortunately, not all relationships are a match made in heaven.

As the authors of this month’s cover story write, “The traditional method of studying differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) involves looking at the single thermal expansion curves of a body and glaze without taking into account that, once ‘coupled,’ they constitute a unique mechanical system.” Read “Studying Deformation and Tension in Traditional Ceramic Materials” to learn how new optical techniques can help manufacturers and researchers better evaluate these glaze and body couples.

This issue also includes our annual R&D Lab Equipment and Instrumentation Directory, a handy tool to help you quickly find the best suppliers for your specific needs.* Contact information and other details for each of the suppliers are listed in the Address Index, while specific products offered by each company are included in the quick-search chart. If you are a supplier of equipment or instrumentation and would like to be included online and/or in next year’s edition, please contact AnnaMarie McCann at mccanna@bnpmedia.com for details.

Please also keep in mind that the online version of the R&D Lab Equipment and Instrumentation Directory is searchable by product or category and includes extras for select suppliers. Check it out at www.ceramicindustry.com/randddirectory.  

*Company listings indicate paid advertising. Contact AnnaMarie McCann at mccanna@bnpmedia.com for pricing and additional details.