Microstructural characterization of mullite and anorthite-based Porcelain tile using regional clay

Abstract

The study focused on using of regional clay (Nevsehir/Turkey) instead of different clay and kaolin to prepare porcelain tiles along with dolomite and albite. Considering the variation of regional clay with other clay and kaolin the physical properties, phase-microstructure analysis and the determination of sintering temperatures by means of optical dilatometer of samples were studied. Uni-axially pressed samples were exposed to firing regime at 1205 o C for 42 min and tested to comply with ISO 10545 tile standards. The crystal phases were detected as quartz, anorthite and mullite. The mechanical strength was found to increase as the mullite content. When the Nevsehir’s clay content in the starting composition added, glassy matrix became richer in kaolinite glass and earth-alkaline oxide favorably affected the sintering temperatures. Almost all technological properties and sintering behavior of new compositions demonstrated the suitability of Nevsehir clay as a potential raw material for ceramic tile industry. This regional clay is affect to microstructure and crystalline phases of tile bodies.