This work had for objective to development vitrified ceramic tiles body using the nepheline-syenite flux with a kaolinitic clay. Formulations were prepared with addition of 0, 30 and 50 wt.% of nepheline-syenite to the clay. Specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressure at 30 MPa followed by firing at 1100, 1150 and 1200 ºC. The evaluated physical and mechanical properties were: dry bulk density, linear shrinkage, three point bending mechanical strength and water absorption. The microstructure of the fired ceramics was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the incorporation of nepheline-syenite significantly enhanced the properties of the clay making it possible to reach the specification of vitrified ceramic tiles.
kaolinitic clay; flux; nepheline-syenite; ceramic tiles
