Micromechanics principles applied to fracture propagation in porcelain stoneware tiles

The possibility of discussing the mech. properties of porcelain stoneware tiles with a scientific approach typically used in the investigation of the composite materials is studied. A thorough microstructural investigation was conducted to det. if the addn. of selected low-cost minerals would improve mech. properties. The minerals tested were quartz, mullite, and kyanite. Uniaxially pressed samples were submitted to the same industrial firing schedule and tested according to European tile stds. before further microstructural anal.