DETERMINATION OF THE DEGREE OF ABSORPTION OF IRON ATOMS OBTAINED FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES IN THE MULLIITE STRUCTURE OBTAINED WITH CASTING CLAY

Abstract

In this study; It is aimed to bring clay, which is one of the important raw materials of the ceramic and porcelain sector, to the soft porcelain production sector in a cleaner and higher quality way. One of the major aims of this study is to prevent the coloration of iron, which is found at high rates in the clays used in the traditional ceramic industry. In the study; Two types of iron (Fe2O3 and FeCl3) were added to SAN-90 clay at the rates of 0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% by weight. The interaction of iron with mullite was investigated. When Fe enters the crystal structure, FeO will be broken down and the coloration effect will be prevented. The samples prepared with the specified formulations were fired at 1200 oC. XRF (X-ray Fluorescence), XRD (X-ray Diffraction) analyzes were performed to determine the chemical properties of SAN-90 clay and TG/DTA (Thermal Gravimetry / Differential Thermal Analysis) analyzes were performed to determine its thermal properties. Then, density, water absorption and porosity tests of the sintered samples were performed and L*a*b* values were measured. In addition to these, the behavior of iron addition with temperature was investigated by performing XRD analysis on sintered samples. In addition, the iron solubility limit in mullite was determined by calculating the crystal parameters of mullite. Surface images and growth of mullite crystals were investigated by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. Within the scope of the study, the usability of SAN-90 clays in the porcelain/ceramic industry provides advantages with its high mullitization rate, which contains high iron solubility.