Characterization of cellular ceramics made by porcelain tile residues

This work deals with physical, structural and mechanical characterization of cellular ceramics obtained from porcelain tile polishing residues expanded with silicon carbide abrasive residues [A.M. Bernardin, et al., Proceedings of the VIII World Congress on Ceramic Tile Quality, vol. 3, 2004, pp. 195–199]. In a previous work it was studied the expansion process, that means, SiC decomposition simultaneous with the polishing residue melting, both at ∼1200 °C. Starting at 1000 °C SiC particles decomposes into SiO2 and CO2, the last one used as an expanding agent, promoting the expansion of the melt (porcelain tile residue) formed at 1200 °C. Now, the microstructure, expansion, density and mechanical properties (flexural tests) were determined to characterize the product. Cellular ceramics can substitute polymers (expanded polystyrene) and wood in internal partition walls and linings, and cellular concrete in the building industry.