Synthesis and characterization of β‒wollastonite from limestone and rice husk as reinforcement filler for clay based ceramic tiles

Abstract

This work focuses on the synthesis of β‒Wollastonite and utilized as reinforcement filler for ceramic tile. β‒Wollastonite was synthesized by taking the raw limestone as a lime precursor and rice husk as a source of silica. The lime and silica powders were mixed with 1:1 w/w ratio and then calcined at 900 °C for 4 h. The ceramic tiles were prepared by solid slip casting method for a wide range of β‒wollastonite to clay ratio (5, 15 and 25%), particle size of 63, 75 and 125 µm at firing temperature of 950, 1000 and 1050 °C. The results show that a minimum linear shrinkage of 1.25% was recorded at 25% β‒wollastonite-clay ratio with a particle size of 125 µm at a temperature of 950 °C. The ceramic tiles fabricated were exhibited minimum water absorption of 1.35% and maximum compressive strength of 38.35 MPa at 25% of β‒wollastonite to clay ratio, particle size of 63 µm and 1050 °C firing temperature. Similarly, the maximum acid resistance of 99.985% was found on 75 and 125 µm particle sizes with a 25% ratio of β-Wollastonite and 950 °C firing temperature.