Optimal Use of Calcined Boron Waste as a Flux in the Production of Low-Temperature-Sintered Floor Tiles

Abstarct

—This study focused on the recycling and optimal use of colemanite waste (CW) in floor tile/tiles (FT) production. Experimental compositions were prepared with various concentrations of CW calcined at 800°C and FT body. The sinterability at low temperatures (1000–1100°C) and the effect of calcined CW on FT properties were investigated. The physical-mechanical properties of the tiles were characterized by linear shrinkage, water absorption and bending strength tests. The microstructure and the phase development of the tiles were determined by SEM-EDX and XRD, respectively. The optimal tile compositions in conformity with the related standards were obtained at 1050°C (30 wt % CW) and 1100°C (5 and 10 wt % CW). The tiles produced with high ratio CW (30 wt %-1050°C) additions had 0.32% water absorption, 5.70% linear shrinkage, and 52.43 MPa bending strength values. The CW calcined at 800°C was favourably used in FT production to lower the sintering temperature with a new possibility to recycle this waste and conserve natural resources.