Optimization of the Process of Producing Ceramic Granite from Mineral Raw Materials and Production Waste

The development of the ceramic industry requires the creation of new innovative products with improved properties. This study investigates new ceramic body compositions with varying amounts of microsilica, a byproduct of silicon production. Various compositions with different raw material mixtures and microsilica contents were prepared and fired at 1100, 1150, and 1200 °C. Optimization of process parameters for obtaining porcelain stoneware in different compositions demonstrated the degree of porcelain stoneware yield depending on firing temperature, time, and changes in microsilica content. The addition of microsilica increases the flexural strength of porcelain stoneware to 41 MPa (above the standard), reduces water absorption to 0.023%, enhances frost resistance up to 107 cycles, and also increases the shrinkage of porcelain stoneware