Determination of the optimal firing cycle for ceramic products

Sintering is a densification process occurring during a heat treatment in powders systems, which involves a reduction in porosity and volume (shrinkage).

The sintering tests are run using the Optical Dilatometer.

The aim of the tests is to find out the best sintering temperature that allows the body to reach its maximum shrinkage avoiding the risk of bloating (this temperature is 1220°C in the example below). If the ceramic body is fired at higher temperatures starts to bloat. The main consequences of the presence of gasses into the body is the drastic worsening of mechanical properties.

On the other hand, if the body is fired up to lowe temperature, it cannot reach its full sintering it will show open pores after the lapping process.

Maria Chiara Vaccari
Materials analyst and instruments calibration

Works with Expert Lab Service since 2014, right after graduating in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Bologna

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