Utilization of the galvanized wastes in the vitrified bodies

In this study, the galvanized wastes, occuring as a result of the galvanization process, were characterized from chemical and minerological point of view in order to investigate the effects of their utilization in the body recipes on the properties such as wet strength, firing shrinkage, total shrinkage, water absorption, deformation, color and microstructure.In an attempt to investigate the effects of their utilization on sintering temperature of the body, the bodies with galvanized wastes were fired at a temperature of 1150ºC whereas the standart body firing temperature of 1250ºC was employed for the standard bodies.Experimental studies have shown that the utilization of galvanized wastes in an optimum level instead of albite and kaolin in the sanitaryware body recipes provides the body with similar water absorption values at 1150ºC and 1250ºC, decrease the deformation level and increase the whiteness of the final product.It is foreseen that 25% energy saving will be achieved by decreasing the firing temperature by 100ºC. Decreasing energy consumption that is one of the most important issues in the international trade plays a very significant role in the production of sanitaryware bodies in terms of competitiveness and environmental related issues.Key words : Sanitaryware bodies, galvanized wastes, sintering temperature