Traditional and glass powder porcelain:: Technical and microstructure analysis

The properties of traditional porcelain (TP) were compared to a porcelain (GP) where the feldspar was replaced by recycled glass powder in the formulation. The porcelain showed characteristics and properties similar to that of TP. Therefore GP can be used in many applications except those, which demand a very high strength. The SEM investigation showed that GP contained primary mullite, quartz and glassy phase and that TP contained secondary mullite. GP can be fired at 1240 degreesC while TP can only be fired at 1340 degreesC. The reduction in firing temperature and the use of a cheaper substitute for feldspar makes GP an attractive economical alternative. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.