Abstract:
A group of Portuguese tiles (azulejos) from the 17th to the early 19th centuries
have been assessed for their chemical and mineralogical compositions and
physical properties.
This LNEC Research Report includes the results of the characterization
campaign that included chemical and mineralogical characterization of the glaze
and ceramic bodies through x-ray fluorescence (XRF), x-ray diffraction (XRD)
and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA). The pore
structure and hydric behaviour of the azulejos have been studied through
mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), BET specific surface measurements, water
imbibition tests and hydrostatic weighing. The thermal and moisture expansion
behaviours have also been assessed through dilatometric measurements.
Following the present results a data base was started where all similar data will
be collected in the future to support consistently future research in the field.
