Investigation of magnesite wastes' effect on ceramic tile properties

In this work, the influence of magnesite wastes on wall tile, ceramic tile and floor tile properties were investigated. Magnesite wastes include serpantine (which is an ultrabasic rock), quartz, enstatite and magnesite. Chemical, mineralogical and petrographic properties of magnesite wastes were determined. Magnesite wastes were added to wall tile bodies in the amount of 2-10 wt. % instead of marble, to ceramic tile bodies in the amount of 20-80%wt and to floor tile bodies in the amount of 40-50 wt. % Shrinkage, colour, water absorption, density, porosity, strength measurements of all samples were determined. The vitrification behaviour of tile bodies was evaluated using an optical non-contact dilatometer, mineralogical and phase analysis of samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), microstructure analysis were analyzed by Scanning electron microscope (SEM). Firing temperature of tiles were decreased by using magnesite wastes. After evaluating test results it has been seen that magnesite wastes can be used in ceramic bodies as an alternative raw material.Keywords: Magnesite Wastes, Serpantinite, Forsterite, Enstatite, Water Absorbtion