Quartz Quantification In Porcelain Stoneware Tile Formulations By Differential Scanning Calorimetry

Herein, we propose a methodology for quartz quantification in porcelain stoneware tile formulations using differential scanning calorimetry. Statistical factorial planning was used to define the best operational conditions for the method. Differential scanning calorimetry assays of alumina and quartz mixtures were performed to obtain a calibration curve. The quartz content of predefined porcelain stoneware tile formulations was then quantified by differential scanning calorimetry and compared to that obtained via the Rietveld method. According to the statistical analysis, the particle size significantly affected the quartz phase conversion peak area. The t-test used to compare the mean values of the nominal amount of quartz added to a formulation and the amount determined by differential scanning calorimetry yielded p values < 0.05 and calculated t values above the critical value (4.303). Although the proposed method yielded results that were significantly different from what was expected, so did the Rietveld method, which is currently in use by researchers.