EFFECTS OF FLY ASH ADDITIONS ON THE SINTERING AND PHYSICO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CERAMIC TILES

摘要

Fly ash was added in single fast fired tile body composition in the range of 0-30 wt percent to substitute traditionally added clay. The reactions occurring during the firing and formation of different phases were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) and dilatometry. The effects of fly ash additions on strength properties, abrasion resistance, water absorption and firing shrinkage of different compositions were investigated. The bending strength improved with increasing fly ash content and reached maximum when 20 wt percent fly ash was used, and decreased with further addition. The most promising tile composition with 20 wt percent fly ash had improved bending strength, abrasion resistance and hardness as compared to the conventional tiles and conformed to all other properties with European Nation (EN) standard specification.