Preparation, microstructure studies and mechanical properties of glazes ceramic sanitary ware based on kaolin

In this paper, the use of local kaolin coming from Djebel Debbagh (denoted DD1) in the composition of ceramic glazes for sanitary ware was examined. Because of its natural abundance, low price and good characteristics, this kaolin represents an interesting economic alternative to other mineral clays. The chemical composition showed that this kaolin contains 38.49 wt.% Al2O3 and 44.85 wt.% SiO2. Two glazes based on kaolin DD1 denoted as GaDD1 and GbDD1 were prepared with conventional ceramic processing techniques at temperature 1250 oC. As a reference, another glaze (Gref) based on kaolin Remblend was also prepared in the same conditions. The samples were characterized with X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscope. The results revealed that zircon and quartz are the crystalline phases present in these glazes. In the sample GaDD1, it was found that the degree of whiteness is very high and reaches 93.30 %. However, the water absorption coefficient is low which is about 0.19 ? 0.04 %. In addition, the flexural strength and the Vickers microhardness are respectively, about 56.07 ? 5.61 MPa and 7952.80 ? 101.76 MPa. These properties are compatible with those of the glaze reference Gref and commercial sanitary ware glazes, indicating the potential use of kaolin DD1 in the production of glazed ceramic for sanitary ware applications.