Effect of calcite and mica contents in nepheline syenite samples on the ceramic body sintering behaviours and surface roughness

In this study, the effects of calcite and mica contents in nepheline syenite (NS) samples beneficiated by high intensity dry magnetic separation and flotation methods on ceramic bodies were investigated in detail. The NS samples were, first, sintered to observe the physical and surface roughness properties, and characterized based on the change of NS samples such as color, shrinkage, water absorption, and surface roughness after the sintering process. L-a-b color and Ra, Rz, Rt values for the NS samples were determined. The decrease in calcite and mica contents affected the surface of sintered specimens positively by reducing roughness values. Additionally, the water absorption values were found to be directly proportional to Ra values for unglazed surfaces. In conclusion, calcite and mica minerals in NS samples negatively affected surface quality by forming pinholes due to dehydroxylation and outgassing reactions in the sintering process.