Sustitución del vidrio crudo a base de óxido de plomo por uno fritado en la elaboración de tejas en el sector San José de Balzay y Racar

Abstract

This paper aims to replace the lead glass, used in the process of glazed tiles in the areas of San José de Balzay and Racar in Cuenca, by a glass frit that does not release lead. In these sectors it recognizes two groups, one artisan and a semi-mechanized. In this process people are in direct contact with lead oxide, which is the cause of diseases at the level of the whole organism, affecting all members of the production process, including children, adults and seniors. Use a fritted glass decreases health risks and environmental pollution. To carry out this work, it was necessary to realize a baseline survey, analysis of raw materials used, search fritted glasses in the local market, realize previous tests paste-glass coupling. To optimize dosages, we apply a Design Extreme Vertices mixtures for semi-mechanized and another for small-scale proportions for artisans. Two fritted glasses had the best results with the new dosage, although they showed crazing defect in the glaze, whereby a new optimization was performed. The results, will help to reduce the public health problem produced for the use of lead oxide and improve the technical characteristics of the product, as flexural strength and water absorption, established by the Ecuadorian INEN 990 standard.