Silicon carbide particle embedded magnesium oxychloride cement composite bricks for polishing of porcelain stoneware tiles

Abstract

Silicon carbide (SiC) particle embedded magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) composite polishing bricks developed for polishing of porcelain stoneware tiles were produced by incorporating 600 and 1200 grit SiC particles to the MOC paste in the amounts of 20, 25 and 30 wt-%. Density, compressive strength, abrasion resistance and polishing properties of the bricks were determined with respect to the amount and particle size of the SiC powder. SiC particle embedment enhanced density, compressive strength and abrasion resistance of the neat MOC paste. Polishing was accomplished both in laboratory scale and in a typical online industrial scale. The polishing performance of the bricks was evaluated in terms of mean surface roughness and optical gloss of ceramic tiles, and abrasive brick consumption occurred during polishing. Scanning electron microscopy examinations revealed evidences of the reasons that 25 wt-%SiC particle embedded MOC bricks have the best qualifications in terms of abrasion resistance and polishing performance.