Janusz Partyka

The effect of SiO2/Al2O3 ratio on the structure and microstructure of the glazes from SiO2–Al2O3–CaO–MgO–Na2O–K2O system

Ceramic glazes are commonly used to covering of the facing surface of ceramics ware. A well-chosen oxide composition and firing conditions of glazes causes significant improvement of technical parameters of ceramic products. Modern glazes are classified as glass-ceramic composites with different crystalline phases arising during firing. The presence of crystals in the glass matrix is influenced by many factors, especially by oxides molar composition. A crucial role is played by the molar ratio of SiO₂/Al₂O₃. In this work the six composition of glazes from SiO₂-Al₂O₃-CaO-MgO-Na₂O-K₂O system were examined. The only variable is the ratio of the silicon oxideto alumina at a constant content of other components: MgO, CaO, K₂O, Na₂O, ZnO. In order to determine the real phase composition of the obtained glazes research on fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) were done. For structural studies X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectroscopic in the middle infrared (MIR) were performed. In order to determine the state of the surface (microstructure) research on the scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDX. The research allowed to determine the influence of SiO₂/Al₂O₃ ratio on the structure and phase composition of glazes and the nature, and type of formed crystalline phases.

Raman and infrared spectroscopy study on structure and microstructure of glass-ceramic materials from SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-K2O-CaO system modified by variable molar ratio of SiO2/Al2O3.

This paper is focused on the effect of the molar ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 on the microstructure and structure of the internal aluminium-silicon-oxide lattice of the glass-ceramic materials from the SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-K2O-CaO system. In order to examine the real composition of the obtained samples, a chemical analysis was performed. Following the heat-treatment procedure, pseudowollastonite, anorthite and the vitreous phase were identified. In order to determine the microstructure, research using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS was done. For the inner structural study, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy as well as MIR and FIR spectroscopy were performed.

Thermal characterisation of raw aluminosilicate glazes in SiO2–Al2O3–CaO–K2O–Na2O–ZnO system with variable content of ZnO

Abstract Thermal properties of raw aluminosilicate ceramic glazes in the multicomponent system of SiO2–Al2O3–CaO–K2O–Na2O–ZnO modified by ZnO addition were studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), dilatometry (DIL), hot-stage microscopy (HSM), X-ray diffraction and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Using the method of differential thermal analysis, the ways in which zinc oxides affect the temperature of transition (Tg), crystallisation (Tc) were determined. An analysis of the DTA data obtained during thermal tests showed that an increase in ZnO content results in decreasing the Tg value. Also, the influence of ZnO on characteristic temperatures and viscosity of glazes was checked. The introduction of zinc oxide (ZnO) into the glaze composition contributes to the decrease in viscosity of such glazes. An increasing ZnO content in the glazes also causes the reduction in softening (Ts), half-sphere (Thalf-sphere) and fusion (Tfusion) temperatures. The mid-infrared spectroscopy showed that the thermal properties of glazes in SiO2–Al2O3–CaO–K2O–Na2O–ZnO system modified by addition of ZnO can be associated with the depolymerising influence of zinc ions on the structure of the tested glazes.

Floor tile glass-ceramic glaze for improvement of the resistance to surface abrasion

The results of research aimed at the study on frits and glass-ceramic glazes for floor tiles, based on compositions located in the primary field of cordierite crystallization within the system MgO-Al2O3-SiO2, have been presented. The results comprise investigations on the frits crystallization abilities, stability of the crystallizing phase under conditions of single-stage a fast firing cycle (time below 60 minutes) depending on their chemical composition and the influence of the nucleation agents. The influence of the nucleating agents namely TiO2, ZrO2, V2O5 on phase composition of obtained crystalline glazes, mechanical parameters and microstructure, has been examined. The strength tests proved increased mechanical resistance of crystalline glazes. Obtained glazes are characterized by high microhardness in range 6~8 GPa, as well as the increased wear resistance measured by the loss of weight below 100 mg / 55 cm2 (PN-EN ISO 10545-7). Significant increase of these parameters as compared with non-crystalline glazes, where micro-hardness values range between 5~6 GPa and the wear resistance values range from 120 to 200 mg, has been proved. Starting glasses (frits) and glazes of the ternary system MgO-SiO2-Al2O3, were examined with use of DTA, XRD and SEM methods.

Mechanical properties and microstructure of fast – fired clinker tiles based on Wierzbka I raw material

Abstract The article presents results of research on microstructural and mechanical properties of floor tiles clinker manufactured on the basis of Wierzbka I raw material, which is part of the deposit Wierzbka, near Suchedniów. Wierzbka I clay was added in various volume fractions to the standard tile compositions used in industrial practice. The samples were pressed in a range of from 21 MPa to 42 MPa and fired in the laboratory furnace at 1130°C to 1190°C. Selected compositions were pressed at 28 MPa and fired in a standard industrial environment. The process of firing was conducted in an industrial kiln at temperature of 1160°C for 38 minutes, with holding for 4 minutes at maximum operating temperature. The samples, which were prepared in the laboratory and industrial conditions were evaluated for the effect of addition of the Wierzbka I clay on their microstructural and mechanical properties based on the measurement results of linear shrinkage, bulk density, open porosity, water absorption and flexural strength (Ϭ) of the tiles. Microstructural changes were observed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results revealed that the tested tiles were characterized by a high degree of sintering, an apparent density of 2.5 g/cm3, an open porosity and water absorption below 0.5%. The measurement results of mechanical bending strength showed that the tested samples had a high strength of 50 MPa.