Human history has always been marked by tragic pandemics. From ancient cholera and smallpox epidemics, to the latest SARS, MERS-CoV and Ebola, we always fight against viruses and bacteria. The emergence of new strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is also an unprecedented danger that we are facing.
What this latest pandemic is teaching us, is that viruses and bacteria can survive for many hours on various surfaces thus increasing the chances of a cross infection. Being able to have surfaces that autonomously disinfect themselves, in case they are contaminated, would represent a valid aid to contain the virus.
Surfaces with antibacterial and virucidal properties are not new, they have been widely exploited in every sector: from plastic to paints, to tiles but their diffusion has never been very wide as there was no real need for these characteristics outside of restricted areas such as healthcare facilities.
In recent months we are witnessing a flourishing of new proposals, from silver-based liquids for self-sterilizing garments and fabrics, to the use of new copper-based products (cuprates) or the good old Titanium Dioxide in the paint and glass sectors .
The ceramic tile industry already has a good knowledge of the application of these products. it would be a pity if he did not know how to seize the opportunity offered by this pandemic to offer products that, in addition to being beautiful, also offer new functional surfaces to combat this virus.

In the next pages some info on active surfaces.