Microstructure and porcelain stoneware properties

摘要

Porcelain stoneware tile can be considered one of the most technologically advanced types of tile on the market. The proper ceramic tile surface separates the underlying ceramic body from various environmental stresses. In glazed tile, the glaze performs this function. In unglazed tile, the body of the tile comes into direct Contact with environment. Porcelainized stoneware tile obtained by high sintering of unglazed ceramic bodies is characterized by excellent properties e.g., high resistance to abrasion (surface hardness), very low porosity, excellent mechanical characteristics (modulus of rupture, bending strength), absolute resistance to attack by chemicals, impermeability and frost resistance. All these characteristics involve properties which are closely related to the dense microstructure of the material. Microstructural analysis in term of flaws presence were carried out on the as-fired and polished tile surfaces using SEM and EDX microanalysis.