Effect of Iron (111) Oxide (Fe₂O₃) as an additive and substitution of quartz with POFA on physico-mechanical properties of porcelain

Porcelain tile is a translucent ceramic material developed from the mixture of clay, feldspar and quartz. Its excellent functional and technical properties such as low water absorption, low porosity, stain resistance; high bending and compressive strength make it indispensable for industrial activities. This research aimed to determine the effect of the addition of iron (111) oxide (Fe₂O₃) on physicomechanical properties of porcelain. Quartz was substituted with treated Palm Oil Fuel Ash (POFA) at 15wt% and mixed homogeneously with porcelain compositions using ball mill machine for 12 hours at a speed of 250 rev/sec and dry pressed at a moulding pressure of 91 MPa and sintered at 1150°C for 2 hours soaking time. Iron (111) oxide (Fe₂O₃) was added at 1, 2, 3, 4, 10 and 15wt% to the compositions of porcelain, dry pressed and sintered at the same temperature. The maximum value of compressive strength, bulk density and Vickers hardness were achieved by adding Fe₂O₃ at 5wt% as 138.94 MPa, 2.515 g/m³ and 829 HV respectively. It is revealed that the addition of Fe₂O₃ at 5wt% enhanced both physical and mechanical properties of porcelain.