The raw materials used to form tile consist of clay minerals mined from the earth's crust, natural minerals such as feldspar that are used to lower the firing temperature, and chemical additives required for the shaping process. The raw materials must be pulverized and classified according to particle size. lumps of material are reduced using primary crushers.
Raw materials for ceramic tiles are:
- Clay: Clay is a primary raw material used in the production of tiles. It is a type of fine-grained soil that is milled and refined to be used as the main component of tiles. Clay possesses plasticity, enabling it to be shaped and undergo proper vaporization.
- Silicates: Silicates, typically silicon dioxide (SiO2), are commonly used in tiles. Silicon dioxide provides hardness and resistance to heat and thermal shock in tiles.
- Metal Powders: Metal powders such as iron oxide, chromium, nickel, and copper are used to create different colors and patterns in tiles. These powders are added to the raw materials, and during the tile firing process, they impart specific colors and patterns.
- Ceramics: Ceramic materials, including aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, and manganese oxide, are used in the production of tiles. These ceramic materials provide mechanical and chemical properties such as abrasion resistance, heat resistance, and antibacterial properties.
- Additives: Additives may be used to improve the mechanical and physical properties of tiles.
These additives can include flocculants, dispersants, and other chemical substances. They enhance the durability of tiles against moisture, heat, and mechanical shocks.
mixing the ingredients is the initial step in ceramic tile manufacture.
Sometimes, water is then added and the ingredients are wet milled or ground in a ball mill. If wet milling is used, the excess water is removed using filter pressing followed by spray drying. The resulting powder is then pressed into the desired tile body shape.
