Influence of nanoparticle incorporation on the colorimetric properties of ceramic glazes applied by digital decoration

Abstract This study evaluated the influence of nanoalumina and nanosilica incorporation on the technological and colorimetric behavior of ceramic glazes fired between 1030 and 1080 °C. At lower temperatures (1030–1050 °C), formulations containing nanoparticles exhibited higher water absorption, indicating slower densification, particularly when the additives were combined. From 1060 °C onward, all formulations reached near-zero water absorption, with linear shrinkage stabilized between 10% and 11% and apparent density close to 2.60 g/cm³. From a colorimetric standpoint, a reduction in L* values was observed with increasing temperature, greater stability of a* in nanoparticle-containing formulations, and positive b* values with a tendency toward stabilization above 1070 °C. The results demonstrate that nanostructured additives measurably influence sintering behavior and chromatic stability at intermediate temperatures without compromising the final performance of the glaze. Finally, the findings highlight that the combined use of nanoalumina and nanosilica enhances color stability and enables improved control of optical properties, particularly under conditions relevant to digital inkjet decoration, reinforcing their potential for optimizing both aesthetic performance and processing efficiency in ceramic glazes.