Steel particles-porcelain stoneware composite tiles: An advanced experimental-computational approach

Innovative porcelain stoneware tiles with a surface layer containing 2.4 wt% of stainless-steel particles were produced by the Double Charge Technology. Considering this layer as a composite material, the effects of the metal particles on the mechanical behaviour of the ceramic matrix were extensively investigated in terms of Young's modulus, fracture toughness and flexural strength. With this aim, composite materials were prepared by using the same silicate-based ceramic matrix with increasing weight percentages of the same stainless-steel powder. The composites were accurately characterised. In particular, due to the high sintering temperature, possible changes at the interface between metal particles and ceramic matrix were thoroughly analysed by means of SEM and EDS microanalysis. To clarify the role of the observed chromium-rich interphase on the mechanical behaviour of the steel particles-stoneware composites, analytical equations were used and simulations were performed by using the Object Oriented Finite (OOF) element method.