KINETICS OF SINTERING MATERIALS FOR CERAMIC TILES

This study is based on the physical, chemical-mineralogical and microstructural characterization of four clay raw materials from the state of Sergipe-Brazil, three of which have never been studied before, and evaluate their potentialities for application in the production of ceramic tiles. The influence of several process variables on the densification of the material was analyzed. The clays were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, absorption spectroscopy in the infrared region with Fourier transform, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, particle size distribution, dilatometry, Atterberg limits, water absorption, bending rupture module, linear shrinkage and scanning electron microscopy. Calcite concentrations between 1.1 and 13.7% were observed, this information is determinant for adjustments in the firing cycle and prediction of the minimum energy for the sintering of ceramic products to occur. The microstructure investigated confirms the correlation between liquid phase formation and porosity reduction in sintered bodies at 1150 degrees C.