Estudo da potencialidade da adição de pó das rochas muscovita monzogranito, zoisita anfibolito e cálcario para produção de revestimento

Abstract

One of the main reasons for the growth of the Brazilian ceramic industry is the abundance of natural raw materials available in the country. Therefore, the correct and ideal selection of these raw materials is of paramount importance. In this context, the present study aims to evaluate the effect of adding rock powders from muscovite monzogranite, zoisite amphibolite, and limestone into the ceramic mass used for the manufacture of ceramic tiles, analyzing their influence on the technological and microstructural Properties. The raw materials were subjected to granulometric characterization, plasticity tests, chemical, mineralogical, and thermal analyses. The rock powders were incorporated into the basic ceramic mass, resulting in five different formulations, which were submitted to a firing process at temperatures of 1000°C, 1050°C, 1100°C, and 1150°C. The technological properties evaluated included loss on ignition, linear shrinkage during drying and firing, water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent density, and flexural strength after drying and firing. It is worth noting that, in general, at firing temperatures of 1050°C, 1100°C, and 1150°C, the specimens from all formulations showed good homogeneity in terms of color and surface texture, no relevant deformations or significant visual defects were observed that would compromise the pieces after firing, and the results allowed their classification as porous, semi-porous, stoneware-like (semi-grès), and stoneware (grès) ceramic tiles. The best results were observed for the specimens from formulation F2, fired at 1150°C, achieving a maximum flexural strength of 34.23 MPa and water absorption of 2.79%, allowing their classification as stoneware ceramic tiles. The prepared specimens exhibited technological properties compatible with the parameters established by current technical standards for application in ceramic tiles intended for floors and walls. Thus, the results obtained confirm the potential use of the studied raw materials, originating from the state of Piauí, highlighting their viability for application in the ceramic industry for the production of high-quality tiles.