This work had for objective to add both the nepheline-syenite flux, available in the State of Rio de Janeiro, and the talc, purchased from a mining company, into a kaolinitic clay to obtain vitrified ceramic tile. Mixtures were prepared with addition of 0, 30 and 50 wt.% of nepheline-syenite to a kaolinitic clay. The talc was added in the amount of 0 and 3.5 wt.%. The firing behavior of the formulations was evaluated by optical dilatometry. Specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressure at 30 MPa followed by firing at 1175 ºC. The fired specimens were submitted to the following tests: bulk density, linear shrinkage, three point bending mechanical strength and water absorption. Microstructural analysis was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the formulations with both nepheline-syenite and talc addition have a potential to obtain vitrified ceramic, by significantly decreasing the porosity of the pure clayey ceramic.
clay; kaolinite; flux; nepheline-syenite; microstructure; ceramic tile
