Characterization of Mechanical Properties of Porcelain Tile Using Ultrasonics

Ultrasound affords a very useful and versatile non-destructive method, using a large application area, for evaluating the microstructure and mechanical properties of materials. In this study, porcelain tiles were sintered at different temperatures to change their porosity. Following this, the time of flight of both longitudinal and shear waves was measured through the tile. The time of flight of ultrasonic waves was measured using a contact ultrasonic transducer operating on a pulse-echo mode. Using the time of flight of the ultrasonic wave and thickness of tiles, the velocity of the waves and dynamic Young’s modules were determined. To calculate the firing strength and the static Young’s modulus of the tiles a three point bending test analysis was used. The results were considered by comparing the change in velocity with the firing strength. Utilizing the dynamic Young’s modulus of porcelain tiles, their firing strength estimated nondestructively. Additionally, measurement of ultrasonic velocity utilized to predict strength and dynamic Young’s modulus of porcelain tiles. In addition, the two methods, used in measuring Young’s modules, were compared. It was determined that the dynamic Young’s modulus of porcelain tiles was greater than the static Young’s modulus of porcelain tiles.