This work describes an investigation carried out for ceramics sintered by viscous flow with emphasis on phase formation and microstructural development. In this work, compositions prepared by mixing ball clay, kaolin, feldspar, quartz and talc were studied They consisted of a composition based on the formulation of stoneware tileand reported in the literature and compositions intentionally prepared to observe the effect of the addition of a vitreous phase former, replacing feldspar on the phase formation and final characteristics. The formation of a great amount of liquid viscous phase during the firing process of the stoneware tiles at high temperatures provided the elimination of the majority of the pores and, consequently, the densification of the body. The addition of vitreous phase former resulted in samples with good physical properties fired at relatively low temperatures. In addition, it was possible to replace a costly raw material, i.e., feldspar by an inert vitreous phase former previously obtained, without affecting the processing, physical and visual properties of the final product.
stoneware tile; viscous flow
