Production of Wall Tiles Containing Ulexite Waste at Different Sintering Temperatures

Abstract

Experimental compositions were prepared by the additions of ulexite concentrator waste to a standard wall tile bodysintered at different temperatures. Tests of linear firing shrinkage, water absorption, and fired bending strength (eğilmemukavemeti) were done. XRD analyses were conducted to determine major crystalline phases in wall tile bodies. SEMEDX analyses were performed to study the microstructural evolution of the standard and experimental wall tile bodies.Colorimetric analyses were also made. The wall tile body containing 5 weight percent ulexite concentrator waste firedat 925oC for 6 minutes was determined to be the optimal composition with 0.60% of linear firing shrinkage, 17.66% ofwater absorption, and 208.60 of kg/cm2 fired bending strength (eğilme mukavemeti). Sintering temperature was reducedfrom 1182oC of industrial practice down to 925oC. Utilization of ulexite concentrator waste in tile bodies will helpreduce energy costs in favour of the environment and economy.