Testing Quality of Ceramic Tiles in Order to Evaluate Condition of the Manufacturing Process

Abstract

Problem of the research on quality of ceramic floor tiles remains still open. Their strength, and as a consequence possible applications, depend both on the constitution of ceramic composite, and on their degree of homogeneity. The method of controlling tile strength should be based on evaluating this feature in various cross-sections. Such measurements are very important because their mechanical properties are often not uniform across the whole surface. Standard control tests are not compliant with this requirement because they anticipate only destructive strength tests in their middle cross section.Application of the ultrasound method allows for the easy homogeneity estimation of ceramic composite in the tile. Transformation of the direct results for the resistance of material requires scaling of the measuring device what considerably expands the scope of research, however resistance parameters are not always necessary.Paper presents the research on the probe composed of 23 floor tiles with dimensions 600 x 600 and 600 x 300mm. Tiles has been sampled from the lot of material that had been built in the floor and shown excessive defectiveness (broken edges, pop-offs and breaks). The main purpose of experimental tests was to determine the homogeneity of ceramic material in various cross-sections of each tile. Big variation of ultrasound wave velocity within the range of many tiles shown the cause of quick loss of expected serviceable properties. In addition, has been carried out the measurements of the length, width and deformation of the surface of tiles. Dimensional deviations and deformations didn’t exceed the admissible values.