Investigation of the usability of Eskişehir clays in floor tile production

This thesis includes the studies carried out in order to use Eskişehir clay, which is used in the brick-tile sector but cannot be used in the ceramic sector due to its high iron content, in the ceramic sector. In addition to investigating the direct use of Eskisehir clay, which has a high impurity rate, a comparison was made by using it in the floor tile structure after being subjected to enrichment process. In this study, Eskisehir clay, which has a high impurity rate (Fe2O3 12.58%), was reduced to 8% Fe2O3 and aimed to be used in floor tiles. Firstly, the iron oxide was liberated by grinding process. The liberated iron oxide was removed with the help of magnetic separator and pre-enrichment was applied. After the application, the iron oxide rate was reduced to 12,58%11,83%. In order to reach the determined target, chemical leaching method was applied supported by literature research. Studies were carried out with the applied oxalic acid chemical and it was reduced to 11,83% 8,05%. With the impurity rate reduced to the determined target, the use of Eskisehir clay in ceramic composition was investigated. After the enrichment process, the dry strength value was increased from 15.36 N/mm2 to 18.82 N/mm2 (FO3) and the water absorption value was reduced from 1.86% to 0.02% (FO3) with the Eskişehir clay used in the floor tile composition. In the evaluations made at the end of the study, it was seen that it is possible to use up to 10% of Eskişehir region clays in the floor tile structure.