Development of glass ceramic glazes for porcelain tiles

In this study, development of glass ceramic glazes were investigated for fast firing porcelain tiles. Low cost glass ceramic glazes development that possess abrasion resistant, white coloured, satin, and proper industrial fast firing conditions were aimed. All studies were performed in Ege Seramik Ind &Trade Co, tile production plant under industrial conditions. In order to develop abrasion resistant glazes, glass ceramic frits which are compatible with fast firing conditions and white coloured were formulated at initial stage. All frit compositions were melt via small rotary frit kiln. Glass ceramic frits were developed in the system CaO-MgO-SiO2. Then compositions were melted for 3,5 hour at 1520 0C and fritted. All frits compositions were grinded to obtain glazes. Then glazes were applied onto porcalein tile surface and fired in industrial conditions. Among the frit compositions, the one which is more proper than the others in terms of surface properties was choosen. XRD and hot stage microscope analyse were performed on glass ceramic frit. As a result of XRD analyse diopside was observed as a main phase. Glazes for porcelain tiles were formulated by using developed frit compositon.Glazes which were formulated via developed frit, were applied onto the porcalein tiles bodies and fired under industrial conditions. Final products have undergone abraison resistance, harcourt and acid base tests. In addition X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope analysis performed.As a result, low cost matte glazes that compatible for fast firing working conditions and possess high whiteness and abrasion resistance were obtained.