The Effect of Lithium Alumina Silicate Phases on Elastic Modulus of Porcelain Tiles
Spodumene, which is a lithium alumina silicate, has been used as a raw material in the production of thermal shock resistant whitewares and sanitarywares. The presence of spodumene results in enhancement of mullitization and imparts better physical and mechanical properties to ceramics. In this study, the influence of Lithium alumina silicate phases on the mechanical properties of standard porcelain stoneware body was investigated. Especially solid-solid reactions were observed between spodumene and quartz or spodumene and clay. These solid-solid reactions bring about a newly formed lithium alumina silicate (LAS) phases. Spodumene allows the development of a low viscosity liquid phase and results in a decrease in closed porosity, also with increase in bulk density, bending strength and elastic modulus.