Abstract
The six solid solution minerals: albite-anorthite series of plagioclase were prepared from a mixture of kaolin, albite and limestone plus 0-2 wt% LiF in the respective stoichiometric compositions. The prepared mixes were fired between 1250 to 1375oC, and confirmed by XRD. The main ceramic properties in terms of degree of whiteness, MOR, resistance to deep abrasion and degree of attack by different chemicals were determined. Maximum MOR of 149 MPa was obtained by anorthite mineral. Strength drops to 73MPa for albite. Degree of whiteness followed the same trend. Anorthite showed resistance to deep abrasion. Whereas, the minerals oligoclase, andesine and labradorite showed low resistance to deep abrasion. The series showed remarkable resistance to house holds chemicals and alkalis. The calcium rich minerals were affected by low and high concentrations of acids. SEM showed that anorthite gave very homogeneously fine crystalline microstructure whereas soda rich minerals gave coarser and porous one.
