Effect of the concentration of sodium silicate and phosphoric acid in reducing the firing temperature of the ceramic tiles Efecto de la concentración de silicato de sodio y ácido fosfórico en la reducción de la temperatura de cocción de las baldosas cerámicas

Abstract

Objective: Determining the reduction in the firing temperature ceramic tiles according to the concentration of sodium silicate and phosphoric acid present in the formulation of mixtures of clay paste. Methods: the research was conducted using a sample of clay Guayabo geological formation of the Metropolitan Area of Cucuta. For the preparation of the samples were added to the clay three concentrations of phosphoric acid at 0.5%, 1,0% and 1,5% by weight , together with three concentrations of hydrated sodium silicate 1,0%, 2,0% and 3,0 % by weight respetivamente. The mixtures were ground dry processing and manual kneading and shaping was performed using a laboratory extruder biscuit. The produced samples were dried in a drying oven at 110 °C and sintered in an oven five maximum temperatures (650 °C, 680 °C, 700 °C, 750 °C and 880 °C). Subsequently laboratory tests were performed to determine the water absorption and cooked contraction in flexural strength of the test pieces. Results: the results allowed to state that the addition of these two additives accelerated the vitrification of the clay used, reducing the cycles and sintering temperature of the ceramic molded parts, making infer that it is an alternative in reducing the consumption of thermal energy used in the cooking process of the manufacturers of ceramic tiles. Conclusion: which influence the reduction of the environmental impact caused by emissions of CO2 and particulate matter.