Development of Optical, Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Porcelain Stonewares

Abstract

New production systems developed in recent years made it possible to improve different aesthetic appearance and large sizes for porcelain stonewares. In order to produce these tiles, optical and mechanical properties of the porcelain stonewares should be improved. Optical and mechanical properties also related with microstructure. In this study, spodumene, alumina and zircon were used to improve the microstructure of the porcelain stonewares and consequently their optical and mechanical properties. The wear resistance of porcelain stonewares is the one of the most important mechanical properties. In this study, a different test method was used because the existing wear test methods on the tiles were insufficient. The solid particle impingement method using alumina particles was used to determine wear resistance of the porcelain stoneware bodies.