Abstract:
Four porcelain composites comprising kaolin (27-37%), beach sand (20-24%), ball clay (13-18%) and feldspar (25-40%), were formulated and characterized using powder XRD, SEM and particle size distribution analysis in order to determine their potential for use as electroporcelain insulators. Chemical, mechanical and electrical properties were also evaluated. Each of the formed samples were compressed at 200 MPa and sintered at 1250 o C for 1 hour. Bending strength results of the porcelain bodies showed increase in bending strength with reduction in particle sizes. An increase in dielectric strength was found for samples with a higher felspar content. The XRD pattern for all the sintered samples showed the presence of quartz and mullite phases in the body at different intensities. Samples with lower particle sizes showed similar electrical and mechanical properties to commercially available electroporcelains albeit at a cheaper cost of production.
