Three ceramic tile body compositions have been studied using indigenously available natural minerals and industrial solid wastes as raw materials. The physicochemical properties of all the specimens produced under laboratory conditions were compared. It has been observed that elimination of crystalline silica, introduction of alkaline earth oxides in the form of waste materials and precalcined phases promoted sintering and enhanced the fired strength considerably. The results of water absorption, fired shrinkage, coefficient of thermal expansion, hardness, flexural strength and SEM studies indicate the suitability of such compositions for wall and floor tile applications. The surface gain due to lower shrinkage in one of the experimental compositions has been calculated and compared with that of a commercial composition.
