AN IMPROVED PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF GLAZED AND UNGLAZED CERAMIC TILES USING IRON ORE TAILINGS

摘要

This invention relates to an improved process for the production of glazed or unglazed tiles using industrial waste such as iron ore tailings. In the process of the present invention, liquid phase sintering of iron ore tailings takes place in the presence of aluminosilicate mineral. Flux is added to promote the sintering at lower temperature (1150 to 1300°C). The iron ore tailing used in the present invention contains iron oxide, silica and contaminated clay minerals. Silica, iron oxide and alumina forms mulite, fayalite and other crystalline phases on reaction sintering. This crystalline phase are uniformly distributed and reinforced in the glassy matrix. As a result a strong microstructure is obtained which ultimately contribute to its high scratch hardness and strength.