Abstract
X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis was applied to identify the chemical state of silver and zinc in the glaze of anti-bacterial ceramics. Anti-bacterial ceramics for example tile and sanitary ware are very important from the view point of hygiene. Ag and Zn have been known as inorganic anti-bacterial agents for a long time, and are widely used as raw materials for the anti-bacterial ceramics. These anti-bacterial agents were incorporated into the amorphous alminosilicate glaze. The anti-bacterial activities of the ceramics were confirmed by film covered method using Staphylococcus aureus. Ag K-edge XAFS analysis showed that the chemical state of Ag atoms in the Ag-glaze were monovalent, and the Ag-O bond length was increased compared to that of Ag2O. Zn K-edge XAFS analysis showed that the chemical state of Zn atoms in the Zn-glaze were quite similar to that of Zn2SiO4.
