Effects of fly ash additions on the mechanical and other properties of porcelainised stoneware tiles

The effect of fly ash additions on the mechanical properties of porcelainis ed stoneware tile composition has been investigated. Fly ash additions in t he range of 0-40 wt% have been added in to the tile body composition, wet m illed, spray dried, shaped and fired at 1250 degreesC. The MOR strength imp roved with increasing fly ash content and reached maximum when 25-30 wt% fl y ash used, and with greater additions it decreased. A linear correlation b etween strength development and mullite formation was found. The tiles with 25 wt% fly ash had improved bending strength, abrasion resistance and hard ness compared to the conventional tiles and conform to all other properties at an EN standard specification. (C) 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers.