In this work was done a comparative analysis of the technological properties of a red wall tile ceramic paste fired in two different firing cycles, being a traditional slow-firing cycle and a fast-firing cycle. The ceramic pieces were fired between 1080 and 1160 ºC. The following technological properties were determined: linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent density and flexural strength. Microstructural analysis was performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results indicated clearly that the use of a slow-firing cycle resulted in enhanced properties of the red wall tiles.
wall tile; firing cycle; properties
