Effect of silica/clay types and compositions on
the properties of ceramic tiles

                                                     Samuel J. O and Adeyemi, M.B.*
                                                                       Department of Mechanical Engineering
                                                                       University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract


Ceramic tiles, produced from various percentages (by weight) of silica/clay mixes, using four different types of clay samples, were experimentally tested for their mechanical properties (i.e. compressive strength and breaking load) and physical properties (i.e. % water absorption, % total shrinkage and % warpage). The best percentage compositions of silica/clay mixes that gave optimum ceramic tiles properties for the four clay samples were experimentally investigated for ceramic tile production.  Results of the properties of the ceramic tiles so produced were found to fulfil or present better values than the allowable standard values, recommended by American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).
 

Keywords:     Silica/clay compositions, ceramic tiles, properties.