Sand Analysis
The difference between a common mineral resource and a high-value-added input lies in the details of its composition and morphology. An under-explored mineral resource may overlook opportunities in higher-value markets, where approval standards are based on specific requirements for each sector. The CRC (Ceramic Materials Service Center) offers a comprehensive technical characterization platform for mining […]
COUPLING
The durability and aesthetics of ceramic products depend on the thermomechanical compatibility between their constituent layers. At the Ceramic Coatings Center (CRC), we understand that the origin of some critical defects lies in the coupling stresses that develop between the body (support) and the glaze during the manufacturing process. When engobes, enamels, or granules are […]
Water absorption
NBR 13.818. Anexo B
Complete chemical resistance
NBR 13.818. Anexo H
Impact resistance
NBR 13.818. Anexo Q
Deep abrasion resistance
NBR 13.818. Anexo E
Visual analysis
NBR 13.818. Anexo A
Dimensional analysis
NBR 13.818. Anexo S
Flexural load and modulus of rupture
NBR 13.818. Anexo C
Thermal shock resistance
NBR 13.818. Anexo L
Friction coefficient
NBR 13.818. Anexo N
Moisture expansion
NBR 13.818. Anexo J
Crazing resistance
NBR 13.818. Anexo F
Mohs hardness
NBR 13.818. Anexo V
PEI surface abrasion resistance – Up to PEI IV
NBR 13.818. Anexo D
PEI V surface abrasion resistance
NBR 13.818. Anexo D
Stain resistance
NBR 13.818. Anexo G
Vacuum water absorption
ISO 10545
Chemical analyses
Determination of the chemical composition of inorganic samples, carried out predominantly by the X-ray fluorescence technique, which can also be combined with other methodologies, such as atomic absorption, flame photometry and volumetry. In the most conventional routine, the levels are determined, with a detection limit of 100 ppm, of ten chemical elements in the form […]
Mineralogical analysis
Qualitative identification of the crystalline phases present in samples using the X-ray diffraction technique. Through a combination of analytical techniques (stoichiometry, RIR-Rietveld, etc.), the results can be presented quantitatively, depending on the nature of the samples. Particularly useful for the identification and quantification of minerals present in samples of raw materials, as well as for […]
Scanning electron microscopy
Microstructural analyses through observation of samples using a scanning electron microscope, combined with spot microanalysis of chemical composition using energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). It allows magnifications of up to 50,000x on samples and can be useful for analyzing specific manufacturing defects, characterizing the sizes and morphologies of mineral particles and crystalline phases, detecting contaminants in […]
Digital optical microscopy
Microstructural analyses by observing samples using a benchtop optical microscope, with a digital interface for image capture. It allows magnifications of up to 250x on samples and can be useful for analyzing specific manufacturing defects, characterizing the sizes and morphologies of particles and particle clusters, among others.
Particle size analysis
Determination of particle size distribution curves or particle agglomerates using sieving and/or X-ray sedimentometry (Sedigraph) and/or dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. When evaluating particles or agglomerates, analyses They are carried out in a series of sieves with standardized openings, in accordance with specific standards. In the case of particles with sizes between 0.1 µm and […]
Specific surface area – BET
Assessment of the area occupied by the surface of particles that constitute a unit of mass, usually expressed in m2/g. Quantification of specific surface area is performed using the B.E.T. method, in which nitrogen molecules are adsorbed onto the surface of the sample particles. The technique also enables the evaluation of porosity and pore sizes […]
Differential thermal analysis
Identification of reactions that occur with the release or absorption of energy during the heat treatment of samples. The analyses can be carried out from room temperature to a maximum temperature of 1100oC, in an oven with controlled heating speed of up to 15oC/min. Endothermic and exothermic reactions are identified by temperature range and, eventually, […]
Thermogravimetric analysis
Detection of mass loss shown by samples during heating at high temperatures. A analysis is conducted on a thermobalance, which monitors the weight of the sample during the heat treatment carried out, from room temperature to the maximum temperature of 1100oC, in an oven with controlled heating speed of up to 15oC/min. The results allow […]
Dilatometric analysis
Determination of the thermal expansion of solids and their respective thermal expansion coefficients (α) at temperature ranges. The analyses are carried out using contact thermodilatometers, responsible for controlled heating of the samples (at heating rates of up to 5oC/min, from room temperature to a maximum of 1100oC). In addition to dilatometric curves and thermal expansion […]
Optical fleximetry
Assessment of deformations that occur during heat treatment at high temperatures of materials subjected to bending stress. Monitoring is carried out by a lens system with a resolution of 0.2 µm on specimens measuring 85 x 5 x 5 mm3. The analyses can be conducted to obtain high-precision results in hot flexural strength tests, evaluations […]
Colorimetric analysis
Numerical analysis indicative of color and color variation in the same sample or between samples. The evaluation is carried out using a reflectance spectrophotometer, which determines the visible light reflection curve, in addition to the chromatic coordinates L*, a*, b* and ΔE*. The tool is useful for quality control, as it eliminates the subjectivity of […]
Cation exchange capacity
Measurement of the cation exchange capacity of clays, kaolins, bentonites and soils in general. The test is carried out using the methylene blue adsorption method. This is a titration, under controlled conditions, where the saturation point is determined, in which the cations of the methylene blue molecule replace the exchangeable cations present in clay minerals. […]
True density of solids
: The real density, also called absolute density or real specific mass, corresponds to the ratio between the mass and the volume occupied by the solids. Determined using a helium gas pycnometer, the equipment is capable of accurately determining the volume occupied by the solid fraction of powders or shaped samples, completely excluding the volume […]
Pore size distribution
Determination of pore size distribution curves, combined or not with the evaluation of the open porosity of the samples. The analyses are carried out using a mercury porosimeter, which determines the pore intrusion diameter. Considering that in porous materials, many properties are determined by the size and volume of the pores, the technique is very […]
Determination of soluble salts
Assessment of the total concentration of soluble salts in clay samples and soils in general, through sample solubilization and a combination of analytical techniques, such as gravimetry, flame photometry and tritrimetry.
Carbonate concentration
Determination of total carbonate concentration in mineral samples. The analyses are carried out by calcimetry, in a Bernard calcimeter, where the carbonate content is determined from the volume of CO2 released in the reaction between hydrochloric acid and the carbonates present in the sample. The analysis can be carried out on the sample as received […]
Total Carbon and Sulfur
Determination of the total concentration of carbon and sulfur in a specific analyzer for this purpose. The samples are heated to high temperatures and the carbon and sulfur present are released in the form of CO2 e SO2. Estes gases posteriormente são detectados por células de infravermelho, cujos sinais são utilizados para a quantificação dos […]
Surface roughness
Evaluation of the roughness profile of solid samples, indicating the average roughness (Ra) or other quantitative numerical parameters of interest. The equipment has a mechanical rod with a thin metal tip, which runs along a pre-determined profile of the sample surface at a constant speed. The vertical movements of the probe are used to evaluate […]
Calorific value
Quantification of the calorific value in solids and liquids. Calorific value indicates the amount of energy contained in a unit of mass, and is usually expressed in Kcal/g. A analysis It is carried out in a calorimetric bomb, with automatic oxygen injection and water circulation. The analyses, in the case of solid fuels, can also […]
Determination of magnetic particles
Quantification of the total magnet content in samples of minerals or other compounds. The analyses are carried out by magnetic separation, using magnets with high magnetic induction until the magnets are completely separated from the samples. The analyses are carried out with the sample previously ground and dispersed in an aqueous suspension to reduce the […]
Simple refractoriness
Determination of sample refractoriness. Analyses are carried out in comparison with reference pyrometric cones, which indicate the samples’ ability to withstand high temperatures without deforming or melting. The tests are carried out up to the limit temperature of 1600oC, in laboratory muffle furnaces. The results are useful for evaluating the potential of raw materials for […]
Apparent viscosity
Determination of the apparent viscosity of fluids, at controlled shear rates. A analysis is carried out in a Brookfield rotational viscometer under controlled stirring speeds. The results are useful in evaluating the fluidity of suspensions and emulsions.
Deflocculation curve
Evaluation of the effects of the progressive addition of deflocculants (dispersants) on the apparent viscosity of suspensions. The analyses are carried out under standardized conditions in a Brookfield rotational viscometer. Deflocculation curves help identify deflocculant consumption and the concentration of solids at which the suspensions become fluid. Furthermore, they are particularly suitable for evaluating the […]
Thixotropy Index
Analysis of the thixotropy index of fluids, through experiments at controlled shear rates and resting or agitation times. The analysis is carried out in a Brookfield rotational viscometer under controlled stirring speeds. The results can be useful for evaluating the effects of time on the fluidity of suspensions and emulsions.
Granulate flowability
Assessment of the ease of flow of powdery materials. Determined using the Hausner Index or free flow method in a funnel of standardized dimensions (volumetric fluidity). The analysis is indicated to evaluate the ease of transport and flow of powdery compounds (granulated or not). The determination of the Hausner index is accompanied by measurements of […]
Pozzolanic activity
Assessment of the possibility of using minerals and, possibly, industrial waste as pozzolanic materials. Pozzolans can be successfully used to partially replace cements in various applications. The analyses are carried out through compression resistance tests, where the mechanical resistance of concrete obtained by replacing 25% of the total cement load with the material whose pozzolanic […]
Water absorption and apparent porosity
Determination of water absorption and apparent porosity of solids. The open pores of the samples are initially saturated with water in a standardized procedure. Water absorption is calculated by the percentage gain in mass of the sample after saturation of the pores with water, while apparent porosity is calculated using the Archimedes method. Saturation of […]
Firing shrinkage and linear dimensional variation
Analysis of dimensional variations produced in test specimens by heat treatments at high temperatures. The analyses are carried out through dimensional evaluations of the samples before and after the established heat treatment, which can be carried out in laboratory ovens in order to reproduce the conditions of manufacture and/or use of the materials. The results […]
Mechanical tests
Assessment of the mechanical performance of materials, determined on a universal testing machine, in different configurations. Tests can be carried out to evaluate the resistance to flexion, compression or traction of materials of different natures, in accordance with the standards applied for each situation. The equipment monitors the deformations suffered by the samples depending on […]
Vitrification curve
Determination of the effects of firing temperature on water absorption (or apparent porosity) and firing shrinkage of ceramic bodies and raw materials. The analysis is carried out on test ceramic bodies made from the samples, which are fired at at least four different temperatures in laboratory ovens. The results of the analyses make it possible […]
Grinding media wear
Evaluation of the performance of grinding media (alumina spheres, pebbles, etc.), aiming to predict durability during use in ball mills. The analyses are conducted in laboratory ball mills, for prolonged periods, under extreme conditions to favor abrasive wear and/or impact between the spheres. The results are used to compare the performance of spheres manufactured by […]
Plasticity index
Assessment of the plasticity index of clays or soils, related to the nature and proportion of clay minerals present in the samples. The analysis is carried out using a standardized procedure, where the plasticity index is determined through prior analysis of the liquidity limit (in a Casagrande apparatus) and the crumbling water. The plasticity index […]
Black core
The black heart corresponds to a dark nucleus formed in the central portion of ceramic pieces, due to the presence of iron and the incomplete combustion of organic matter that accompanies some clays. The objective of the analysis is to evaluate the tendency for black heart formation in samples of clay and ceramic bodies. The […]
Water stain formation
Determination of the water stain formed under standardized conditions in engobes compositions or on ceramic tiles for coating. The analyses are carried out after immersing the samples in water for standardized periods. The color differences detected in the samples after the immersion procedure are evaluated using the colorimetric parameter ΔE*, determined using a reflection spectrophotometer. […]
Thermal conductivity
Determination of the thermal conductivity coefficient (Kc) of solid materials at high temperatures. Analyses are carried out at at least three temperatures (between 400oC e 1000oC) by the calorimetric method, based on the procedures described by the ASTM C201 – 93 standard. The results allow evaluating the thermal insulation power of dense or insulating refractories, […]
Pyrometric cone equivalent
Fusibility assessment of fluxing materials after burning at temperatures above 1200oC. The test is carried out using cones of standardized dimensions, conformed to the samples received. After burning at defined temperatures, the cones are evaluated for color, brightness and change in original shape, which is indirectly related to the viscosity of the liquid phases formed […]
Bigot curve
Assessment of the relationship between drying shrinkage and residual moisture of ceramic bodies and clays during the drying process. The test is carried out by monitoring the drying process of test specimens or industrial parts, through periodic assessments of drying shrinkage and humidity. The Bigot curve is useful for evaluating the sensitivity of masses and […]
Air permeability
Determination of permeability coefficients (K1e K2) in porous materials. The analyses are conducted in a permeameter, using the steady-state airflow method. In the equipment, an air flow is forced to pass through test bodies made with samples and their pressure values are monitored during this process. The results are useful for interpreting diverse phenomena associated […]
Gloss analysis
Numerical analysis indicating brightness and brightness variation in the same sample or between samples. The evaluation is carried out using a glossmeter, which quantifies the reflected fraction (specular components) of a beam of light incident on the sample. The analysis is conducted using multi-angle equipment, which allows analyses to be carried out with the incidence […]