A method for fast and contactless control of raw materials

A technique for quality control of ceramic materials is proposed based on the surface photo-charge effect. The method is demonstrated and studied in the case of controlling the chemical composition of bricks. Presented experimental results show that samples with different compositions invoke distinctly different electronic signals specific to sample's composition. In particular, it is revealed that the response signal is a function of the percentage of coal slurries added to the brick raw material for energy efficiency. The quality measurements using the proposed technique are express and contactless, and can be performed under the production conditions of brick firing. The obtained results indicate that the described technology could be extended to control the production quality of other raw materials.