In Japan, the gradual depletion of traditional raw materials has brought difficulties to production. Therefore, we must seek alternatives. The current production of tiles uses plastic clay, clay, feldspar and other traditional raw materials. But now, these raw material resources are gradually depleted, resulting in tight supply and difficulties in the production of ceramic tiles. Therefore, it is particularly urgent to seek alternative materials.
It is reported that in July 2003, Japan succeeded in the production of high-strength ceramic tiles by repeatedly developing and replacing raw materials with serpentine from metamorphic rocks. The research results have been concerned by the same industry. According to reports, this tile is based on serpentine as the main raw material, plus alpha molding aids, sintering aids, such as glass powder, binders, methyl cellulose and the required colorants. In the raw material preparation process, the grain size range of serpentine is controlled below 45 microns, and the energy consumption of the grinding is measured. The average particle size is adjusted to 3-10 microns. The moisture content of raw materials varies depending on the molding method and molding pressure. However, the optimum value should be determined based on actual production requirements and physical properties of the product, generally within the range of 5 to 10%. It is more effective to prepare the powder by spray drying granulation. In the forming and sintering process, the process parameters are a molding pressure of 10 мPα or more and a sintering temperature of 1200 to 1300° C. in a reducing or oxidizing atmosphere. Tests have shown that ceramic tiles produced with the above process using serpentine are completely comparable to existing tiles.
In summary, the use of serpentinite to produce ceramic tiles is not only technically feasible, but more importantly it is seeking an ideal substitute material for the production of tiles.