Correlation analysis of composition, microstructure, and final properties of porcelain tiles: an experimental study

This study deals with the intricate relationship between composition, microstructure and the final properties of porcelain tiles namely bulk density, water absorption, thermal expansion coefficient, strength, and Young's modulus. In order to achieve this, a comprehensive set of 16 experimental trials were carried out, involving the preparation of eight distinct formulations characterized by varying Seger values and ratios which were subsequently subjected to sintering at two distinct firing temperatures. The analysis was conducted through a comprehensive correlation matrix, revealing significant relationships between composition, phase content and the final properties. The glassy phase emerges as a key contributor, positively influencing bulk density, reducing water absorption and linear shrinkage, and enhancing Young's modulus. The coefficient of thermal expansion correlates positively with residual quartz and inversely with mullite content, highlighting their impact on this property. Strength is positively correlated with mullite content, while quartz, albite, and anorthite phases exhibit negative correlations due to their intricate influence on the overall microstructure. These findings provide essential insights into the complex interplay between composition, microstructure and properties, contributing to the advancement of materials engineering for tailored porcelain tiles.