Production of Ceramic Floor Tiles Based on Ternary CaO-Al{sub}2O{sub}3-SiO{sub}2 Eutectic (1165℃) Composition

摘要

To perform this study a natural calcareous clay sample having CaO, Al{sub}2O{sub}3 and SiO{sub}2 percentages very close to those of the ternary CaO-Al{sub}2O{sub}3-SiO{sub}2 eutectic (1165℃) was chosen. The formulation prepared by semi-dry process was optimized depicting the effect of firing temperature on the densification behaviour during the firing process. The specimens were fired in air at temperature ranging from 1000° up to 1200℃ using a fast -firing cycle. The specimens were characterized before and after firing. The development of mineralogical composition was followed by XRD analysis. The densification was measured by four parameters: linear shrinkage, water absorption, acid attack and compressive strength. The densification behaviour was found to be influenced by sintering temperature. The results reveal that, this calcareous clay sample is a promising raw material for the production of ceramic floor tiles of superior physico-mechanical properties, which confirms the great effect of the ternary CaO-Al{sub}2O{sub}3-SiO{sub}2 eutectic (1165℃) on the ceramic properties of the fired articles as a self-internal flux without feldspar as an external flux.