Enhancing rheology and physico-mechanical properties of ceramic slurries: Effect of the addition of various types of deflocculants

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of various types of deflocculants with different chemical composition on ceramic slurries rheology. Organic and inorganic plasticizers were substituted for sodium silicate plasticizers in floor tile recipes, and their effects on rheology were assessed. The interactions of these materials with the silicate and ceramic slurry in terms of synergistic, antagonistic, and additive properties were then determined. In addition, the physico-mechanical properties of the ceramic bodies obtained using commercial plasticizers were investigated. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mineralogical properties using x-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed. Results revealed that the addition of silicate to the slurry had a synergistic effect on rheology, reducing second viscosity to 50 s with a thixotropy ratio of 22%. Moreover, the flexural strength of the sample with 1% silicate addition increased by 13.6%, indicating positive effects on physico-mechanical properties. SEM analysis indicated the formation of a more uniform dispersion of particles with silicate addition. These findings suggest that incorporating silicate into ceramic slurries can effectively enhance both rheology and physico-mechanical properties, holding significant implications for ceramic tile and product manufacturing.