Effect of soaking time on phase composition and topography and surface microstructure in vitrocrystalline whiteware glazes

The effect of soaking period on the phase composition and topography of raw glazes was discussed. The work had two goals: (i) to establish the potential of manufacturing glazes with a desired surface structure from un-fritted formulations in a fast single cycle for tiles and (ii) to clarify the effects of shortening the firing time on the phase composition and surface roughness of traditionally fired products such as sanitaryware. The results can be applied to adjust the glaze composition for given firing cycles in order to improve the chemical resistance and to achieve the desired microstructure through controlled surface composition.