The effects of different partical size distrubution on physical and firing properties of sanitaryware casting slip

THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT PARTICAL SIZE DISTRUBUTION ON PHYSICAL AND FIRING PROPERTIES OF SANITARYWARE CASTING SLIP Volkan TİRYAKİ Ceramic Engineering, M.Sc.Thesis, 2014 Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Dr. İskender IŞIK SUMMARY In this study, the effect of different particle size distrubution of quartz and feldispar utilized in sanitaryware production is studied interms of physical properties. Under normal conditions, the used particle size of < 63 micron for quartz and feldspar, are mixed with 10 micron and 32 micron particle sized granules in various combinations for the same recipe rate. Later the dry and fired (at 1200 oC) specimen are tested to determine the physical and firing properties. As a results of the experimental studies (with the constant viscosity and thixotropy values) reducing the particle size of quartz and Na-feldspar does not effect the thickness rate; however, the use of deflocculant is increased by 9%; dry and fired strength values are increased by 18.4% and 7.25%; deformation ratio is raised by 22.5%, and the water absorption rate is decreased by 58.78%. In contrast to ceramic tile production; semi-finished products in the sanitaryware production have a higher mobility during firing stage. In this circumstances, increasing of dry strenght ensures an increase in the production efficiency. Morever, based on high deformation ratios and low % water absorption rates make it possible to reduce the firing temperature, causing a decrease in the energy cost. Depending on the worldwide competition in sanitaryware industry, complex shaped new products had been entered into the company catalogs. Some changes in specifications of the raw materials such as particle sizes are attempted by the manufacturers to increase the production yield and to decrease the production costs. Keywords: Deformation, Partical Size Distrubution, Sanitaryware, Shrinkage, Strength, Water Adsorption.