Effect of Non-Plastic Raw Materials Particle Size on Technological Properties of the Single-Fired Wall Tile Bodies

Abstract

This study has investigated the effect of particle size of non-plastic components of quartz and pegmatite on some technological properties of wall tile bodies. For this, quartz-pegmatite mixtures were further milled up to 90 min. before adding into the body composition unlike the standard body composition, where quartz and pegmatite were used as-received. The physical and mechanical properties of the bodies were investigated and compared with the standard values. Thermal expansion coefficient and moisture expansion values were determined by a dilatometer. Phase analyses were carried out by X-ray diffraction and microstructural characteristics were studied using a scanning electron microscope. Changes in various technological properties with reducing particle size of the non-plastic components were reported, particularly the increased green and fired strength. It was discussed that using finer particle size non-plastic raw materials of quartz and pegmatite would enable not only increased industrial productivity but also increased producibility of thinner large format wall tiles.