Utilization of Bandırma Colemanite Enrichment Wastes in the Production of Transparent Frits

Abstract

Turkey has approximately 73 % of total world boron reserves and each year due to the increased production capacity of the mines operated by Eti Mine Co. the amount of the mining wastes also increases correspondingly. The disposal of wastes cause an economic loss, bringing technical and environmental issues with itself. In the present study, Bandırma colemanite enrichment wastes were employed as a raw material into the production of transparent frits. The wastes were used in the frit compositions as a source of B2O3, instead of boric acid (H3BO3) provided a sharp reduction of boric acid consumption. The modified frit compositions were applied on tile bodies, and then fired under industrial sintering conditions. Produced frits were characterized in terms of optical, mineralogical and microstructural properties. The results showed that waste-added-frits were similar to the standard frit and also the glazes containing the waste-added-frits showed similar properties with the standard glaze, can be employed in production.