The use of boron based materials on efficiency of environmentally friendly porous ceramics

In this study, the use of boron-based materials on efficiency of environmentally friendly porous ceramics was investigated. In this context, a glaze formulation was created that uses high amounts of frit and sintered at low temperatures. Boric acid and colemanite were added to glaze formulations and different alternative formulations were created by reducing the frit percentage. These materials were added to these glaze formulations in two different ways, calcined and raw. The glaze mixtures obtained from the formulations were applied on the ceramic body and fired at 950-1000-1020-1100-1200 °C in the laboratory oven. Crystal phase structures of glaze samples containing boric acid and colemanite were analyzed by X-Ray Crystallography (XRD) method. The surface properties and characterizations of the obtained samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Differential Thermal Analysis and Thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TG) were performed to determine their thermal behavior and mass loss. As a result of the analysis, it was observed that boron derivatives are a good flux agent and do not have a negative effect on the surface and other technical properties of the glaze. In the formulations of glazes with high frit content and processed at low temperatures, the percentage of frit has been reduced and costs have been improved. Also, energy costs were improved with the reduction in firing temperatures. Considering the energy and raw material costs of this study, it is predicted that high efficiency will be achieved in the process.