Feasibility of Graphene-Enhanced Strength in Sanitary Ceramics
摘要
In the competitive production of sanitary ceramicsSanitary ceramics (SCs), fractures during the drying and handling stages significantly contribute to production waste. This study explores the incorporation of grapheneGraphene, known for its exceptional mechanical properties, to enhance the strength and reduce waste in SCs. Utilising a modified slip castingSlip Casting process, grapheneGraphene was introduced into Vitreous ChinaVitreous China (VC) and Fine FireclayFine Fireclay (FFC) ceramicsCeramics through two methods representing two points of possible grapheneGraphene inclusion along the production process: An earlier inclusion stage, which was examined by adding grapheneGraphene solution into ceramicCeramics powder to create slip (powder-solution) and a later stage represented by grapheneGraphene solution added to a readymade slip (solution-solution). The results demonstrated that the solution method significantly improved the mechanical strength of VC, achieving a 12% increase at 1 g grapheneGraphene inclusion, while the powder method caused a decline in strength due to slip flocculation. FFC showed consistent strength improvements with both methods, with an average increase of 7% at 1 g grapheneGraphene inclusion. Although the potential for grapheneGraphene-enhanced ceramicsCeramics is promising, further research is needed to quantify material savings, evaluate cost-effectiveness, and optimise the integration process for industrial-scale production.