Ceramic flaws: Laboratory tests and analysis using Scanning Electron Microscope to identify surface defects

The pollution of raw materials and ceramic products is a problem that affects all ceramic companies operating in the fields of traditional ceramics and thus needs to be further investigated. The presence of impurities in ceramic glaze and bodies, or between their contact surface, causes aesthetic defects.The aim of this work is to analyse ceramic flaws generated during the processing phases. Analysis of the morphological and compositional imperfections was carried out on different samples by the use of a Scanning Electron Microscope. An efficient model of the flaws in the final ceramic product was later developed, correlating imperfections and pollutants which caused them. In this way the phases of the process, where the pollution might occur, are successfully identified. In order to reach this goal, ceramic samples were created and contaminated in laboratory by the use of potential pollutants, previously and carefully selected in the planning phase of the study.