Fabrication and Performance Analysis of Porcelain Stoneware Tiles Incorporated With Labware Glass Cullet

Abstract

This study reported the effects of labware glass cullet on the properties of porcelain stoneware tiles. Five formulations of porcelain stoneware tiles (containing 0, 3, 6, 9, 12% borosilicate glass cullet) were prepared by adopting three different sintering temperatures (1100o, 1150o, 1200oC). The physical, microstructural and mechanical properties were analyzed. X-ray diffraction analysis ensured the presence of different crystalline phases in the samples. Morphological analysis also confirmed the results obtained from the XRD analysis. However, the density of the specimens increased within their operating parameters. Addition of glass cullet in the tiles increased the kinetics of the sintering process resulting in lower open porosity. Water absorption value of the samples sintered at 1200oC remained within the tolerance limit (∼0.5%). The lowest water absorption value (∼0.10%) as well as the highest linear shrinkage value (∼8.9%) were observed in the sample containing 12% glass cullet. Moreover, the usages of 12% glass cullet resulted in improved mechanical properties in comparison with other synthesized samples, whereas the values of compressive strength, impact strength and hardness were 51.65 MPa, 36.90 psi and 7.22 MPa, respectively. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT