Effect of Quartz and Red-Clay to Phonolite Ratios on Some Properties of Floor Tile

Abstract

This research paper presents the procedure of preparing and testing of experimental ceramic slabs in order to examine and investigate some of their physical and mechanical properties. These slabs were divided into two types; type (I) includes slabs made of either Quartz, Phonolite, Red-Clay, Green-Clay or Kaoline, whereas, type (II) includes slabs various in their Quartz and Red-Clay to Phonolite ratios. Other constituents of type (II) slabs such as Green-Clay, Kaoline were intentionally kept comparable for the sake of comparisons. Methods of preparing and testing of the experimental ceramic slabs were performed according to the technical constraints and facilities available at the Investment Complex for Manufacturing Building Materials (INCOMA) at Misurata-Libya. Several tests and measurements have been done on the experimental ceramic slabs of both types. The physical properties of type (I) slabs and raw materials ceramic powder were investigated with the determination of their water absorption, thermal shrinkage, heat lose, bulk density and fluidity. The breaking strength and impact resistance of type (II) slabs were also determined. These results were enhanced with surface and cross-sectional metallographic investigations for both types of experimental slabs. It is thought that the presence of a considerable amounts of oxides such as CaO, K O and Fe O in the Red-Clay decreased significantly the fractural strength, but improved the impact resistance of the experimental ceramic slabs. Conversely, the presence of high alumina and silica contents together with trace amount of ZrO in the Phonolite probably behind the improvement of their fractural strength, and decline of the impact resistance of the experimental ceramic slabs.