EVALUATION OF THE INFLUENCE OF WASTE GLASS POWDER (WGP) ON THE THERMO-MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF FIRED CERAMICS

Effects of elevated temperature on thermo-mechanical properties of fired ceramic products reinforced with waste glass powder (WGP) were reported. Samples were produced by the addition of WGP to clay in varied amount and oven dried samples were fired in an electric furnace which was operated 1200 degrees C. Compressive and flexural strength were examined at room temperature and at elevated temperatures of 100, 300, 500, 700, and 900 degrees C. Results showed that, compressive strength and flexural strength reduced at elevated temperatures. Thermal conductivity, diffusivity, and emissivity were higher with increasing WGP content, while thermal expansivity and specific heat capacity were lower as percentage WGP increased in the samples. Results on thermal shock resistance showed that WGP reduced shock resistance in the samples, while the cooling rate increased with the percentage addition of WGP. Impact resistance was noted to decrease in samples when fast cooled from high temperature as the rapid cooling rate was observed to increase with WGP addition in samples. It was concluded that for fired clay products incorporated with WGP, the operating temperature should not exceed 700 degrees C. Also, in an environment whereby cooling is done by air or/and water, an operating temperature of <= 300 degrees C was recommended.