Effect of Iron (111) Oxide (Fe2O3) as an additive and substitution of quartz with POFA on physico-mechanical properties of Porcelain

Abstract

Porcelain tile is a translucent ceramic material developed from the mixture of clay, feldspar and quartz. Its excellent functional and technical properties such as low water absorption, low porosity, stain resistance; high bending and compressive strength make it indispensable for industrial activities. This research aimed to determine the effect of the addition of iron (111) oxide (Fe2O3) on physicomechanical properties of porcelain. Quartz was substituted with treated Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) at 15wt% and mixed homogeneously with porcelain compositions using ball mill machine for 12 hours at a speed of 250 rev/sec and dry pressed at a moulding pressure of 91 MPa and sintered at 1150°C for 2 hours soaking time. Iron (111) oxide (Fe2O3) was added at 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 and 15wt% to the compositions of porcelain, dry pressed and sintered at the same temperature. The maximum value of compressive strength, bulk density and Vickers hardness were achieved by adding Fe2O3 at 5wt% as 138.94 MPa, 2.515 g/m3 and 829 HV respectively. It is revealed that the addition of Fe2O3 at 5wt% enhanced both physical and mechanical properties of porcelain.