A view of whitewares mechanical strength and microstructure

• Published in: Ceramics international Vol. 29; no. 7; pp. 801 - 806
• Main Authors: Bragança, S.R., Bergmann, C.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 2003; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; B. Microstructure-final; Building materials. Ceramics. Glasses; C. Strength; Ceramic industries; Chemical industry and chemicals; D. Porcelain; Exact sciences and technology; Heavyclay products, whiteware; Miscellaneous; C. Strength; B. Microstructure-final; D. Porcelain; Scanning electron microscopy; Whiteware; Mechanical properties; Experimental study; Quartz; X ray diffraction; Oxide ceramics; Feldspar; Characterization; Porcelain; Sintering; Pressing; Manufacturing; Microstructure; Kaolin; Strength
• ISSN: 0272-8842; 1873-3956
• DOI: 10.1016/S0272-8842(02)00234-1

A traditional porcelain composed of kaolin, quartz and feldspar was formed by pressing and was sintered at temperature between 1200 °C and 1420 °C. The samples were characterized before and after sintering. A K IC of 1.6 MPa m 1/2 was found for a sample fired at 1340 °C. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of mullite, quartz and glassy phase. The microstructures of samples sintered at different temperatures were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis revealed that the ideal firing temperature was a consequence of glassy phase characteristics and that the maximum MOR was limited by a flaw made by quartz stress releasing. SEM images of this flaw, pore and flaw linking are showed.