Effect of particle size distribution on the properties of celsian based glazes

The microstructure and surface properties of ceramic glaze are influenced by chemical composition, particle size distribution, glaze application conditions, and firing parameters. This study specifically focused on the influence of glaze particle size distribution on the thermal behavior, microstructure, and surface appearance of barium frit based ceramic glaze in the floor tile firing process. The investigation involved examining the impact of four distinct particle size dimensions (d50: 5.7 μm, 6.8 μm, 7.5 μm, 10.9 μm) on the glaze properties by using hot stage microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), color and gloss measurements. The studies indicated that celsian is the dominant phase in the glaze structure. The sintering and softening temperatures of glazes decreased with the increase of milling time. A decrease in the particle size of the glaze slurry increased the whiteness index. As the average particle size (d50) of the glaze decreased, the number of crystals was also increased. The investigation results also suggested a relation between specular reflection and milling time. As the milling time extended, there was a corresponding increase in the magnitude of glossiness.