Wall Tiles Research Articles

Mechanical and Water Absorption Characteristics of Sisal Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composite

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of fiber loading on mechanical and water absorption characteristics of composites made from sisal fiber and polypropylene matrix targeted for use in bathroom wall tile applications. The amount of fiber content in the composites was varied from 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% to 50% by weight. The composites were manufactured by melt-mixing method. The effects of fiber loading on various composite characteristics were investigated using tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, compressive strength, and water absorption. With the increase of fiber content, properties, such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, and compressive strength increases up to optimum level, whilst decrement in these properties were observed after the optimal level. The maximum tensile strength of 52.69 MPa, tensile modulus of 1.1 GPa, flexural strength of 127.8 MPa, flexural modulus of 6.22 GPa, impact strength of 10.195 KJ/m2 and compressive strength 137.7 MPa were obtained. Water absorption rate increased with increase in the fiber weight proportion due to the hydrophilic character of the sisal fiber. From the result of this study, it can be concluded that the optimal mechanical and water absorption properties were achieved at 30% fiber content.

Design and investigation of solar cogeneration system with packed bed thermal energy storage for ceramic industry

A novel cogeneration system was designed with three different configurations integrating cogeneration system with solar-aided (Configuration-1), solar-aided with packed bed thermal energy storage (Configuration-2), solar-aided with packed bed thermal energy storage and auxiliary unit (Configuration-3). Thermo-economic-environmental analyses were performed for three designed configurations under Indian climatic conditions (20°C–50 °C).The maximum energetic and exergetic efficiencies of the three configurations were found as 44.96% and 23.14%, 51.84% and 31.22%, and 58.67% and 36.21%, respectively. Configuration-3 was best among others, and the sustainability index was 1.57. The maximum irreversibility rate has occurred for the combustion chamber, ground and wall tile dryer. The payback period for Configuration-3 was found as 4.91 years. Due to various unfavourable conditions, the payback period for Configuration-2 is 27% higher than Configuration-3. The economic optimization was performed for the higher payback period configuration, and the payback period was finally reduced to 4.88 years. The cost of the product from the cogeneration system, such as electricity and ground-wall tile was found as Rs.6.29/unit and Rs.16.11/piece for ceramic tile size of 0.10 × 0.10 × 0.007 m. The CO2/SO2/NOx emission from the three configurations was found as 1,54,090/119/230 ton/year, 1,31,341/102/196 ton/year, and 1,47,961/114/221 ton/year, respectively. Furthermore, the carbon emission saving for three configurations was obtained as 21%, 24%, and 32%, which is imperative for the environment.

Investigation on the physio-mechanical properties of carpet waste polymer composites incorporated with multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)

In the structural functions of polymer components, the material's thermal stability and moisture absorption efficiency play a vital role in defining durability and physio-mechanical performance. This article emphasizes the experimental investigation of polymer (Epoxy) composites fabricated from carpet waste and Carbon nanomaterial (CBN). The supplement of Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) into the epoxy/carpet waste polymer composites is proposed to enhance the physio-mechanical properties. The experimentation was performed to check the synergistic effect of nanomaterials in five configurations with different wt.% of MWCNT in the proposed composites. The water absorption, swelling rate, fire retardant and compression performance of the discarded carpet polymer composite modified with MWCNT have been investigated. The effect of water dipping and dry condition was completed to evaluate the composite feasibility. In addition, the fire-retardant properties of developed materials were analyzed using the fire (horizontal) setup process. The results found that incorporating the MWCNT nanoparticles into discarded carpet polymer composites can improve the compression strength. It was noticed that the few quantities of water were absorbed with less swelling effect at the 0.25 wt.% of MWCNT. The modified epoxy nanocomposites have higher specific properties values when compared to neat (discarded carpet polymer) composites. The fire retardancy properties have been enhanced remarkably with a supplement of lower nanomaterials wt.%. The findings show that the proposed carpet waste/MWCNT/polymer composites could be recommended for lightweight functions such as roadside barriers, wall tiles, toys, decorative frames, insulating materials, etc.

The Assessment of Clay Briquettes from East of Erbil City Northern Iraq for Utilization in Various Building Applications

Assessment of clay briquettes for various building applications take into consideration, for this purpose seven clay samples by channel method collected from Injana, Mukdadiya and Bai Hassan Formations with Quaternary deposits in Bestana village, for the evaluation test purpose, 84 rectangular briquettes (1x4x8 cm) were prepared by semi-dry (8%water) pressing method (250Kg/cm²), fired at 800, 900, 1000, 1080ºC, for the evaluation tests of color, linear shrinkage, apparent porosity, water absorption, bulk density, efflorescence and modulus of rupture, and 28 cylindrical briquettes (4 cm height and diameter) were prepared for the evaluation test of compressive strength. The results showed that the color of the briquettes varied with different firing temperatures as a function of various mineralogical compositions. The dry sensitivity index measured for the studied ceramic briquettes, showed high dry sensitivity index, drying shrinkage and water content % values, due to this result they require low temperature drying for long periods by adding 7.96 to 13.54% water during briquette paste preparation. Comparing these evaluation test results with the International standard specifications for the ceramic industry No.25 (1988), 17 (1998), and C1167 (2003). This study showed the availability of using all of the studied samples in the brick industry, floor and wall tile industry, with Injana, Bai Hassan, and Quaternary deposits of Bestana village can be used in the roofing tile industry. Samples from Mukdadiyah and Bai Hassan Formations can be used as chemical resistant tiles when fired at 1080oC.

Investigation of Color, Motif, Pattern and Composition Features Applied in Turkish Tile Art on the Example of Sultanahmet Tomb Wall Tiles

Çini, Türk sanatında iç ve dış mimari süslemenin en önde gelen öğelerinden biridir. İslam dünyasında da ilk kez Türkler tarafından uygulanarak mimariye olağanüstü bir zenginlik katmıştır. Orta Asya’dan İspanya’ya kadar çok geniş bir coğrafyada kullanılan çini sanatı Anadolu’ya Selçuklular eliyle getirilmiştir. Anadolu’da Selçuklu ve Osmanlı döneminde tezyinatın temel unsurları arasında yer alan çini dekoru anıtsal sanata dönüşmüştür. Türkler tarafından Orta Asya’da uygulanmaya başlanan çini sanatındaki büyük gelişme Anadolu Selçukluları döneminde olmuştur. Bu dönemde çini sanatında renk, teknik, kompozisyon ve desen açısından çok başarılı denemeler yapılmıştır. 12.-13. Yüzyıllarda çok güzel örnekler ortaya konmuştur. Osmanlı döneminde de etkisini artırarak kullanılmaya devam eden çini sanatı olağanüstü bir gelişim göstererek zirveye ulaşmıştır. 14.-15 yüzyıllarda önceki dönemlerden devralınan çeşitli tekniklerle gelişimini sürdüren Osmanlı çini sanatı, 16. Yüzyılda devletin ekonomik gücünün de etkisiyle doruk noktasına ulaşmıştır. Bu dönemde sıraltı çini tekniği en başarılı şekilde eserlerde uygulanmıştır. Motif, desen ve kompozisyonlar geliştirilmiş, yeni üsluplar eklenmiştir. Klasik dönemde kullanılan ana renkler kobalt mavi, turkuaz, zümrüt yeşili ve mercan kırmızı olmuştur. Cami, türbe, saray, köşk, çeşme gibi dini ve sivil mimari yapıların iç ve dış yüzeyleri eşsiz güzellikte çinilerle kaplanmıştır. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Osmanlılar döneminde renk, motif, desen ve kompozisyon olarak doruk noktasına ulaşan çini sanatının bu özelliklerini klasik dönemin sonunda inşa edilen Sultanahmet Türbesi örneğinde inceleyip, genel hatlarıyla ortaya koymaktır.

Water absorption study and characterization of polymer composites developed from discarded nylon carpet

The scientific objective of this work is to reuse the polymer materials generated from carpet waste. The nylon obtained from the discarded carpet was used as reinforcement material into the epoxy matrix phase. A modified approach of Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) was used to infuse the mixture of epoxy and hardener into the nylon carpet polymer composites. This investigates the water absorption behavior of carpet waste composite. It will justify the application of proposed composites for lightweight structural applications in a moisture environment. The nylon fiber-based-epoxy composite was dipped in water as per ASTM standard for a different duration, namely, 24, 48, 72, 144 hours. The findings demonstrate that it can effectively withstand in moisture environment, and a maximum 4.5% weight of samples increased among all the samples for a different duration. Also, the developed composite showed a lower water diffusion co-efficient than the nail head structure and linden wood. Also, the carpet waste composite samples were investigated for thermal degradation and chemical behavior using X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. The finding shows that the proposed composite could be used for lightweight components such as dashboard panels, sound absorbers, panel sheets, wall tiles, etc.

Life cycle assessment based exergoenvironmental analysis of a cogeneration system used for ceramic factories

In this study, the life cycle assessment based exergoenvironmental analyses are performed to the air compressor (AC), combustion chamber (CC), gas turbine (GT), wall tile dryer (WD), ground tile dryer (GD) and hot air pipeline (PL) included cogeneration system (COGEN) used for ceramic tile factories. Five different environment temperatures are considered for the assessment. Firstly, fuel-product based exergy analysis is performed to the system, and environmental impact parameters are assigned to the exergetic values. The environmental impact rates are found high due to irreversibility rate and low exergy efficiency, especially in the components such as CC (106503.793 mPts/GJ at 30 °C), WD (51914.721 mPts/GJ at 30 °C) and GD (62771.217 mPts/GJ at 30 °C) where chemical combustion reactions occur. Depending on the exergy destruction rate, the relative differences of environmental impact rates in these components are found to be quite higher than other components. The exergy efficiencies of WD (17.430 % at 30 °C) and GD (23.131 % at 30 °C) are lower than other components, and the maximum average specific environmental impacts of fuel are calculated for these components which are calculated as 5549.409 mPts/GJ and 5106.257 mPts/GJ at 30 °C, respectively.

Advanced Design and Fabrication of Islamic Tile Ceramic Wall Tiles With Indonesian Batik Patterns Using Artistic CAD/CAM and 3D Printing Technology

The ceramic tile wall is a decorative element used inside restaurants, museums, hotels, aristocratic residences, and places of worship. It plays a critical role in the development of a structure with strong personality and unique qualities by providing relief patterns specific to history or era. The demand for distinctive ornamental wall ceramics that can be mass produced with precision and accuracy has been a challenge for numerous ceramic enterprises in Indonesia, which have historically relied on the skills of artistic professionals in a handmaking process. The purpose of this research was therefore to develop and apply a ceramic tile design process that integrates computer design and fabrication methods with traditional ceramic production techniques. Using the ArtCAM 2015R2 software, photos of batik and Islamic themes were effectively converted into a 2.5D computer-aided design model. Additive manufacturing technology was then used in conjunction with Objet30 Pro 3D printer to precisely produce master molds with Islamic nuances such as puzzle and floral patterns, then conventional ceramic fabrication technology was employed to produce ceramic tiles using these molds. By combining computer-aided design and rapid prototyping technologies, a variety of exact and detailed Islamic decorative ceramic wall tiles were produced with dimensional accuracies within 2.00 mm. Furthermore, the proposed approach demonstrated a 90% reduction in design-to-production time from to 10–12 months to roughly 1–1.5 months.

An investigation of demolished floor and wall ceramic tile waste utilization in fired brick production

The utilization of waste into construction material is an emerging area in order to achieve the goals of circular economy. This study is the first attempt to utilize demolished building floor and wall tile (DFWT) waste into fired brick production with two types of soils, i.e., laterite and alluvial soil. The soil and demolished building floor and wall tile waste were mixed in different ratios ranging from 5wt% to 45wt% at two different temperatures, 850 °C and 900 °C typical of firing regime in a commercial kiln. Raw material characterization revealed the chemical, elemental, physical, and mechanical properties of DFWT waste and techniques like XRF, XRD, FTIR, TGA, proximate & ultimate analysis were used. Final brick product was characterized by analysing​ compressive strength, water absorption, linear shrinkage, bulk density, and loss on ignition properties. Utilization of 35 wt% and 40 wt% of DFWT waste into fired brick satisfies the Indian standard and ASTM codes guidelines for 850 °C and 900 °C firing temperature respectively. The results of this study are helpful to meet sustainable development goals (SDG) 9, 11 and 12.

Experimental Investigation on Feasibility of utilizing Phosphogypsum in E-Glass Fiber-incorporated Non-fired Ceramic Wall Tile

Experimental Investigation on Feasibility of utilizing Phosphogypsum in E-Glass Fiber-incorporated Non-fired Ceramic Wall Tile

Optimized application of ternary brick, ceramic and concrete wastes in sustainable high strength geopolymers

This study considered the use of recycled clay brick (RCB), recycled ceramic wall tile (RWT) and recycled concrete (RCW) wastes to develop an optimized ternary geopolymer system at ambient environment. The ternary geopolymers (BTC) were designed comprising between 20 and 80% of RBW, RCT and RCW precursors, while targeting different values of SiO2/Al2O3 and Na2O/SiO2 at a constant liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio. The correlation between the design factors and the fresh and mechanical properties including flowability, setting time, compressive strength and microstructure was comprehensively investigated. Further improvement of ternary compositions was explored by integrating up to 45% metakaolin (MK), ground granulated slag (GGBS), Class C fly ash (F–C) and Class F fly ash (F–F) into designed BTC precursors. In addition, the effect of initial curing temperatures of 50 °C, 75 °C, and 100 °C was evaluated based on the optimized BTC combinations. The use of a ternary composition of 20%RCB:40%RWT:40%RCW at SiO2/Al2O3 of 10.2 and Na2O/SiO2 of 0.18 allowed to achieve high strengths at ambient conditions. This composition was further optimized with the incorporation of GGBS that yielded greater amorphous phase formations and maximum strength enhancements. Interestingly, compared to their mono use, the ternary incorporation of RCB, RWT and RCW was confirmed to highly increase the sustainability of geopolymer binders.

Effects of recycled ceramic aggregates on internal curing of high performance concrete

High performance concrete (HPC) is widely used in concrete structures because of its excellent mechanical properties, good workability, and outstanding durability. However, as HPC usually has a low water to cement ratio, the hydration of cement would cause rapid decrease in the humidity inside concrete, leading to autogenous shrinkage of HPC. Internal curing is a method to maintain the internal humidity of concrete by introducing water storage materials into HPC. In this study, three different waste ceramic aggregates are employed as internal curing materials for HPC. The physical properties and the chemical compositions of the three ceramic materials are studied through microscopic tests. The internal curing efficiency is then investigated through mechanical tests and autogenous shrinkage tests of HPC. The experimental results show that the properties of HPC are greatly affected by the porosity and replacement ratio of the ceramic aggregate. A better shrinkage control can be achieved by using the aggregate with larger porosity, while higher strength is obtained when the replacement ratio is lower. In general, all three recycled ceramic aggregates are highly efficient in reducing autogenous shrinkage of HPC while maintaining a satisfactory level of mechanical properties, and wall tile with 20% replacement ratio is considered to perform the best.

Development of eco-ceramic wall tiles with bio-CaCO3 from eggshells waste

Waste valorization is of utmost importance due to the scarcity of natural raw materials. In Europe, up to 150 kton/y of eggshells waste are generated and, usually, landfilling is the only option. This work aims to develop eco-ceramic wall tiles using bio-calcium carbonate from eggshells waste as a raw material. Several pastes were prepared by replacing limestone, the natural raw material used nowadays, with eggshell waste (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 wt%). Through specimens’ characterization, the total substitution by bio-calcium carbonate with the same granulometry leads to an increase, of 19%, in the flexural strength, without affecting the other properties (linear thermal coefficient, weight loss, firing shrinkage, water absorption, density, colour coordinates), and all values are within industrial limits. Therefore, this work proved that limestone can be totally substituted by eggshell waste. The developed eco-ceramic wall tiles consume less natural raw materials and promote a decrease in the landfilled wastes quantity.

Ricochet of AK bullets (7.62 MM X 39 MM) on glazed ceramic tiles: An empirical study in support of shooting incident reconstructions

Indoor environments provide numerous hard surfaces and nearby objects which facilitate the shots fired to ricochet off and hit victims. Out of many surface types, ceramic tile surfaces are considered to be one of the most commonly available and encountered surface type in indoor shootings. However, no studies had attempted to understand the ricochet behaviour and surface evidence of ceramic tiles with any bullet type. This study explores the ricochet behaviour of one of the most commonly reported bullet type in recent shooting incidents; AK bullets (7.62 mm × 39 mm/ M43) on two glazed ceramic tile samples used for indoor walls and flooring. The study’s results present the critical angles of glazed ceramic floor and wall tile samples along with a few significant and currently not reported ricochet-surface mark characteristics with greater forensic significance for use in AK gun-related ricochet investigations. This study further emphasises the need for case-by-case empirical approaches to understanding the ricochet behaviour of different bullet-target combinations during ricochet investigations. The study also opens up a new research area to explore whether the observed results are common to steel core AK bullets or common to other ammunition types and tile surfaces with different compositions.

Use of discarded carpet material in the development of polymer (epoxy) composites for structural functions

The solid waste generated through the carpet and textile industry produces pollution and health risks in various forms when discharged into the open space. This study aims to utilize post-consumer discarded carpets for the manufacturing of lightweight polymer composites. The waste generated from the carpet industry has been a matter of serious concern for the environment. The average life of a carpet is approximate 8-9 years. After that becomes a non-biodegradable waste that is hazardous for the environment and occupies large landfill areas. In this context, the carpet waste is used to enhance the structural properties of the polymer (epoxy) composite. The epoxy is modified using waste carpet in two separate configurations: back-fiber-fiber-back (BFFB) and fiber-back- back-fiber (FBBF). A modified Vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) has been used to infuse the mixture (epoxy and hardener) into the waste carpet samples. The tensile, compressive, and flexural strength tests of the proposed samples were performed to analyze the mechanical behavior. The Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) outcomes demonstrate a good bonding strength between the epoxy matrix and filler material fabric (waste carpet). The FBBF configuration has comparatively superior mechanical performance than the BFFB. The mechanical testing results indicate that the developed samples can be satisfactorily used for lightweight structural applications such as sound barriers, wall tiles, desk boards, toys components, decorative product parts, etc. The research demonstrates that polymer composite reinforced by carpet waste can be endorsed as an acceptable and cost-effective replacement of structural polymer components. Also, the proposed method is remarked as a feasible solution to utilize the waste carpet into end products.

Application of Various Sensing Techniques for Detecting Delamination in Exterior Wall Tiles

Application of Various Sensing Techniques for Detecting Delamination in Exterior Wall Tiles

The Effect of Mould Filling on the Mechanical Properties of Wall Tile Production

This study is focused on the development of properties of ceramic wall tile bodies by changing the degree of mould filling under industrial conditions (Usak Seramik A.S., Usak, Turkey). The effects of spray dryer operating conditions and granule size distribution on the degree of mould filling have been investigated. The study measured the ceramic wall tile bodies water absorption, fired shrinkage, fired and dried strength, and porosity. The granule size and distribution were changed by adjusting the pressure and the nozzles’ diameter of the spray dryer. This study aimed to reduce grain size and quantity over 500 microns and to increase quantity between 500 microns and 75 microns by increasing the spray dryer pressure and reducing the nozzle disc diameter. It was also aimed to increase the degree of mould filling by decreasing granule size. 200 tone wall tile slips were prepared and 11,000 m2 of wall tile products were produced. The phase and microstructure analysis were investigated using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). As a result of this study, it was found that a lower granule size of above 500 µm improved the technical characteristics of the tiles. Ceramic wall tiles produced with lower granule grain size have high strength values, mainly due to the higher degree of mold filling. The ceramic tile production parameters in the Usak Seramik Company have been rearranged according to the data obtained from this study. This granule size and distribution set is now an industrial production standard in Usak Seramik.

Mechanical Properties and Chemical Stability of Bathroom Wall Composites Manufactured from Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Mixed with Cocoa Hulls Powder

The need to protect our environment by eliminating plastic waste as much as possible and by recycling waste from agricultural residue, has led us to formulate composites based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) loaded with powder from the cocoa shell. The cocoa hulls were prior treated with organosolv process to improve the fiber-matrix interaction. This research is aimed at manufacturing composite wall tiles from recycled PET reinforced with cocoa hull powder (CCP). The composites were manufactured by the melt-mixing method followed by compression molding. The mechanical, physico-chemical properties and the stability to environmental conditions were evaluated. The results showed that the incorporation of cocoa powder at a content of 20-30% in the matrix consisting of PET gave rise to a composite material with good physico-mechanical and chemical properties suitable for use in several sectors. In the construction industry, in particular as wall covering as a replacement for tiles, these x from an economic point of view cost less and compared to clays which consumes enormous amount of energy for the elaboration of ceramics. The study showed that the optimum powder weight proportion for the optimal properties of the composite were achieved at 30% powder weight proportion. The maximum tensile strength of 60.3 MPa, flexural strength of 19.5 MPa, impact strength of 10.3 MPa and water absorption 1.34% were obtained. Water absorption of the tiles increased with the cocoa powder weight. Compare to the ceramic tile this value of water absorption test is in range and show that this composite tile is suitable for use as bathroom tile.

Recycling Cigarette Butts in Ceramic Tiles

Cigarettes are one of the favoured commodities on our planet. However, the annual consumption of 5.7 trillion cigarettes and 75% littering rate results in cigarette butts (CBs) being one of the most critical environmental issues. The leachate of heavy metals and toxic chemicals is polluting our ecosystem and threatening the wildlife species. Therefore, it is crucial to find effective and efficient recycling methods to solve the growing CB waste issue. In this study, unglazed fired ceramic tiles were manufactured with 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% shredded CBs by dry mass to investigate the feasibility of the proposed sustainable recycling method. The chemical and mineralogical characterisation, density, shrinkage, bulk density, breaking strength, water absorption, and modulus of rupture were investigated and compared with the Australian Standards for ceramic tiles (AS 4459). The results revealed that tiles incorporating 0.5% CBs by mass demonstrated the greatest performance compared to the other mixtures. The water absorption for all tile–CB mixtures was found to be greater than 10%, with a positive growth tendency. The addition of 0.5% CBs by mass slightly improved flexural strength from 15.56 MPa for control samples to 16.63 MPa. Tiles containing 0.5% CBs by mass satisfied the modulus of rupture and water absorption limits for group III class according to the Australian Standards (AS 13006), and they may be suitable to be used as wall tiles. The result of a simulation equation predicts that an energy savings of up to 7.79% is achievable during the firing process for ceramic tiles incorporating 1% CBs by mass.

Validating Resilient Detailing of Japanese Ceilings, Windows, and Wall Tiles Using an E-defense Shake-table Test

ABSTRACT Ceilings, windows, and wall tiles were installed in a 3-story reinforced concrete structure subjected to shake-table tests. Alternative detailing for each type was used to evaluate their impact on seismic performance. The ceiling built using conventional detailing had no catastrophic damage but incurred crushing of plasterboards, creating a gap between the ceiling and the surrounding beams. For sliding windows, damage which could cause injuries was not observed, whereas glass cracking was observed for fixed windows. For tiles, the use of organic adhesive prevented tiles from falling, compared to the use of mortar where tile spalling was observed.