Investigation of Spodumene-bearing Rock as a Flux for Bone China Production

The use of a waste from mineral processing, a spodumene-bearing rock, was investigated as a flux for bone china composition, partially replacing feldspar. The effect of lithium oxide in bone china body was favorable for reducing firing temperature. The presence of Li2O reacting with other oxides and silicates formed a liquid phase of lower viscosity, which was favorable for densification through viscous flow sintering, and to a higher mechanical strength. It was obtained a large plateau for firing, without deformation on firing (pyroplastic deformation) of parts; which is not an easy task to be achieved in bone china processing. Rheological and casting properties were also investigated. Microstructures of the fired bodies were discussed. They correlated well with the final properties of the parts.