The effect of the addition of bismuth (III) oxide on the properties of low-melting boron frits: part 1

Ewa Litwinek,Łukasz Wójcik,Magdalena Leśniak,Piotr Izak,Marcin Gajek,Joanna Mastalska-Popławska

doi:10.1007/s41779-019-00397-5

Ewa Litwinek, Łukasz Wójcik + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s41779-019-00397-5

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Abstract

Low-melting frits are most often applied in the form of coatings for ceramic building materials, i.e., roof tiles and brick façade. A thin layer of glaze or sintered engobe improves decorative and functional properties of the final product. The roof tiles are fired in the low temperature range (1000–1200 °C). There are expected solutions which will allow obtaining a smooth layer of glaze without deteriorating mechanical and chemical properties. Thus, it is important to find a solution that meets the above requirements. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of bismuth (III) oxide on the properties of low-melting different commercial frits used as a main component of glaze for ceramic roof tiles. Three commercial frits were modified with the addition of bismuth (III) oxide in the amount of 5 and 10 wt%. In the first stage, the results of the dilatometric and high-temperature microscopy analysis are shown.

Highlights

One of the most important parameters of low-melting glazes and sintered engobes is to match the coefficient of thermal expansion to the ceramic body and a good spread of glaze on the modified surface
The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the addition of bismuth (III) oxide on the properties of low-melting boron frits applied for the production of ceramic roof tiles
The results discussed above indicate that the addition of bismuth (III) oxide to low-melting boron frits may contribute to improving or degrading their application properties

Summary

Introduction

One of the most important parameters of low-melting glazes and sintered engobes is to match the coefficient of thermal expansion to the ceramic body and a good spread of glaze on the modified surface. Glazes have lower values of thermal expansion coefficients than ceramic materials and various defects (cracks) occur. Thermal expansion coefficient values of low-melting frits range from 6 to 9 × 10−6 K−1 [1,2,3]. Lithium and bismuth compounds are unique substances with inversion of thermal expansion. Due to the limitation of the use of heavy metals that negatively affect humans and the environment, bismuth and boron, among others, try to replace lead in glazes, especially for red ceramics (majolica) [1]

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