THE EFFECT OF FIRING TEMPERATURE ON SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF OSUN STATE CERAMIC TILES

The work evaluates the effect of firing temperature on the physical properties of ceramic tiles. This was with the view to determine the optimum processing condition for Osun State ceramic tiles. Ceramic raw materials collected from Osun State were batched using clay-feldspar-silica sand blending ratio of 5:4:1,5:3:2,5:2:3, 5:1:4,6:3:1,6:2:2,6:1:3,7:2:1,7:1:2 and 8:1:1 by weight; and homogeneously mixed. Three replica samples were molded by dry forming and fired at 1200,1300 and 1400°C and subjected to water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent relative density and bulk density tests in line with the IS0 10545-3 (1996) standard. The results showed that water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent relative density, and bulk density were within the range 10.43 to 15.02%, 22.77 to 30.20%, 2.26 to 3.09 and 1.34 to 1.45 g/cm3 respectively, while the figures revealed that sample with 60% clay, 30% feldspar and 10% silica sand fired at 1320°C will exhibit the best physical properties. In conclusion, ceramic raw materials collected from Osun State are viable for ceramic tile production.