The mineralogical phase of eight different types of contemporary and historical ceramic tile samples used in Kathmandu valley of Nepal was analyzed using their X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra to assess their quality. Mineralogical phases existed in these eight different tile samples, i. e., three wall, three floor and two ancient tile sample specimens, used in this study are identified as quartz, feldspars, spinel, mullite and hematite including paragonite with the help of the corresponding Joint Committee for Powder Diffraction Standards (JCPDS) database files. The firing temperature applied during the time of these ceramic tiles production should be 1000° C or slightly more. The mineralogical compositions of the contemporary tile samples are found to be comparable with those of the ancient brick samples of the historical temples and monuments of Kathmandu valley of Nepal.
Usages of various ceramic products have been recently attracted more attention than the counterpart of metallic and polymeric materials in scientific community [1,2], because the ceramic products have advantageous physical, chemical, refractoriness, strength retention at high temperature, high melting point and good mechanical properties [3-5]. Early evidence of the uses of the clay-based ceramic products was found in Harappan, Chinese, Greek civilizations, etc. [3,5]. For example, it was reported that the glazed tile was used to decorate the wall of the famous Tower of Babel and the Ishtar Gate in the ancient City of Babylon about 562 BC [3]. Clay tiles are generally used as coverings for floor, wall, facade or roof and can ranges from simple square tiles to complex mosaics and they are generally classified into six different types depending on their water (moisture) absorption capacity as well as their shaping or production methods. They are fully vitrified also called porcelain tile, semi-vitrified, terracotta, glazed porous, glazed vitrified and mosaics tiles [6]. However, all types of these clay tiles should be durable, rigid, hygienic, non-combustible and fire resistant with
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