Characterizaton of pyrophyllite in Malatya region and investigation of its use in sanitaryware body

In this study, characterization of pyrophyllite in Malatya region and its use in sanitaryware body is investigated. 7 different recipes are prepared for this study. Pyrophyllite is directly added to the recipes R1 and R2 in two different ratios. In R3, R4 and R5 recipes the pyrophyllite was used as an alternatıve to quartz and in the recipes R6 and R7 it was used instead of kaolin. XRD, grain size distribution, chemical analysis of the raw materials and physical, rational and XRD analysis of the prepared recipes are made. The results showed the possibiblity of pyrophyllite usage in sanitaryware body. Also, after sintering compact structure was achieved. XRD analysis of fired pieces showed quartz and mullite phases at the same quantities as compared with the main sanitaryware body. Physical analysis (strength, water absorbtion, deformation etc.) of the prepared recipes,especially R1, R2 and R4, showed good results and rheology when compared to main body. Because of low price of pyrophyllite, when compared to quartz and kaolin, it decreases the recipe cost. Hardness of pyrophyllite provides facility in milling and low energy and time cost. Fired colour of pyrophyllite (white) gives opprtunuty to be used in sanitaryware bodies. Keywords : Quartz, Pyrophyllite, Rheology, Sanitaryware