The use of nepheline –syenite in a body mix for  Porcelain stoneware tiles

  

  L.Esposito ,A.Salem- A.Tucci, A.Gualtieri,S.H.Jazayeri

 

  Abstract

  

  In the study , the possibility to use nepheline – syenite , as fluxing agent , in abody mix used for porcelain stoneware tile , was determined.

  Starting from the reference mix composition, different amounts ,5.0,10.0 and 15.6 Wt.%, of sodium feldspar were replaced with the same amounts of nepheline –syenite .

  Different sintering cycles were used to understand the role of the nepheline-syenite in the development of the final microstructure.The presence of nepheline- syenite strongly favours the sintering behaviour, by reducing the sintering time necessary to reach the water absorption values, requested by the International Standard.Furthermore , the microstructure results more homogeneous and the mechanical characteristics are increased. The better mechanical performances can also be attributed to the different mineralogical.