Investigation of the Use of Kütahya Region Kaolin in Wall Tiles

Abstract

The main raw materials in the ceramic wall tiles are clay, kaolin, calcite, and feldspar. The technical properties of the tiles (water absorption, total shrinkage, dry firing strength, fracture strength) and the desired physical properties (L, a, b, surface smoothness) vary depending on the raw material content in the recipe. Rheological parameters are crucial in the formulation development stages to avoid production problems and to ensure the final desired product parameters. Density, viscosity, and sieve analysis have therefore been included in the developed formulations. The use of raw materials from the region close to the production facility facilitates easy access to these materials. Thanks to this advantage, the use of domestic raw materials is becoming more widespread. In addition to the use of alternative raw materials, it contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of this study, is to formulate a recipe for wall tiles using kaolins from the Kütahya region instead of clay from the Afyon region. Recipes containing 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% of Kütahya region kaolin, with a corresponding reduction in clay from the Afyon region, were developed and sintered at 1130-1150°C with a 29-minute firing cycle. By analyzing the technical properties of the developed formulations, it was found that a maximum of 2% of Kütahya region kaolin could be used in the wall tile formulation. It was found that exceeding this percentage was not feasible due to the associated increase in water absorption, expansion of product size, and decrease in dry strength.