Usage possibility of chrome enrichment foundation wastes in ceramic industry

Minsan Mining Corporation produces chrome concentrates. During this production, considerable amounts of concentration and derivation wastes (totally 21.000 tons/year) are disposed. With the increased production rate of chrome based materials the disposal level of relevant wastes are continuously raising. In this study it was aimed to utilize serpentine based chromite waste in the making of ceramic pigment as a coloring agent in wall tile glaze recipes, floor tile and porcelain tile body recipes as modifier and convert them into high value added, an environmentally and human friendly form. Porcelain floor tiles and floor tiles were fired at 1200-1202oC. Newly produced floor tiles after such modification in the blends were undergone to several standard tests for determinations of their shrinkage, water absorption, strength values, chrome leaching, chemical resistance and microstructural characterizations (SEM-EDX). The glazes which contain different compositions and properties were examined. Glazed wall tiles were fired at 1135oC. Finally, harcourt and autoclave tests were applied to glazed samples and their surface properties, microstructural characterizations (SEM-EDX), CIE-L*a*b* color parameters, chemical strength in 10% HCl and 10%NaOH and hardness properties were investigated. Results indicated that chromite waste could easily and widely be used in several glaze recipes as a stain and ceramic floor tiles and porcelain floor tiles as modifier without causing any problems and defects in final products. Keywords: Waste Material, Pigment, Porcelain Tile, Floor Tile