Resumo

PRADO, A. C. A.; ZANARDO, A.; MENEGAZZO, A. P. M.  e  MORENO, M. M. T.. Influence of particle size distribution on the dimensional stability of red ceramic tiles. Cerâmica [online]. 2008, vol.54, n.332, pp. 466-471. ISSN 0366-6913.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0366-69132008000400013.

The properties of final ceramic tiles are related with the mass characteristics, among them the size, shape, distribution and arrange of particles. The effect of particle size distribution on dimensional stability of red ceramic tiles was studied in three masses; all of them composed with, at minimum, 57% of Corumbataí Formation's materials. Two particle size distributions were investigated: the first was similar to the masses that are used in the Santa Gertrudes Ceramic Pole's factories and the other was similar to the stoneware mass. In general, masses with larger particle sizes, similar to that of Santa Gertrudes, had greater dimensional stability in the products with 3 to 10% of water absorption. On the other hand, in the manufacture of low porosity tiles (water absorption capacity < 3%) it is recommended the use of smaller grain size.

Palavras-chave : particle size distribution; dimensional stability; ceramic tile; Corumbataí Formation; Santa Gertrudes Pole.