Effect of Kaolin-Quartz-Feldspar Mixing Ratio on Density, Water Absorption and Strength in Porcelain Ceramics

Authors

Alvarado, Cinthya

Huaccha, Abigail

Vásquez Alfaro, Iván

Alvarado-Quintana, Hernán

Abstract

The objective of this research was to find the optimum mixing ratio of kaolin-quartz-feldspar concerning the possibility of obtaining porcelain ceramics with the highest strength and density and the lowest water absorption. Statistica 12 software was used to optimize the mix design using the simplex centroid method. Ten compositions were prepared according to the mentioned design, formed by extrusion in the form of cylindrical specimens in triplicate, after sintering the specimens in a gas oven at a temperature of 1280°C, their apparent bulk density and water absorption properties were determined using an immersion method and diametral compressive strength in a 50 kN load press at a speed of 1mm/min. Contour plots were constructed to determine the optimal mixing ratio for the three investigated properties. From the analysis of these graphs, it was concluded that the triaxial paste with the highest resistance and density and the lowest water absorption is that of 75% kaolin, 5% quartz, and 20% feldspar. Finally, a dilatometric study was carried out for a mixture with that mixing ratio from room temperature to 1300°C to monitor its linear thermal expansion with temperature.