Physical-Chemical characterization of historic portuguese tiles

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.