Cathode-Ray Tube panel glass replaces frit in transparent glazes for ceramic tiles

The disposal of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) from end-of-life personal computers and TV screens represents a serious problem in electronic-waste management. As an assembly of different materials, finding a use for each of a monitor's parts is a critical step forward a solution. However, the CRT panel is a silicate glass with a relatively high proportion of alkaline and alkaline-earth oxides, for which recycling is a natural task, and the replacement of frit in ceramic glazes arises as an interesting alternative. In this context, we investigated the effect of CRT panel glass in glazes for ceramic tiles based on a comparative analysis. We replaced up to 40 wt% of commercial transparent frit with CRT panel glass in the formulation of one reference slurry. Chemical analyses were conducted by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OES) spectrometry. The thermal expansion coefficient and the glass transition and dilatometric softening temperatures were characterized by dilatometry and compared to such properties calculated as a function of composition, using the SciGlass software and database. 20- and 30-min firing cycles were applied in a fast-firing roller kiln, replicating industrial conditions. The samples transparency was measured by spectrophotometry and compared to the colorimetric parameters of a standard glaze. The maximum content of panel glass possible to add in the transparent glaze formulation without affecting the expected properties was 20 wt%, above which transparency decreased due to heterogeneities. The reformulation of a ceramic glaze with waste CRT panel glass was successful, thus suggesting an interesting approach for disposal of other electronic wastes.