International Journal of Pure and Applied Physics ISSN 0973-1776 Volume 5, Number 3 (2009), pp. 263–269 © Research India Publications http://www.ripublication.com/ijpap.htm Mechanical Properties of Textured Electrical Porcelain S.K. Tak 1 , R. Mangal 2 , A.K. Gupta 3 1 Dept. of Physics, Marudhar Engg. College, Bikaner, 2 Dept. of Physics, Govt. Dungar College, 3 Dept. of Ceramics,College of Engg. & Tech., Bikaner, E-mail: sktak07@rediffmail.com Abstract Textured samples prepared from 45 % kaolin, 25 % feldspar and 30 % quartz were fired at selected temperatures from 200 to 1320°C. Young's modulus and flexural strength were measured. The results showed the dependence of mechanical properties on the orientation of the kaolinite crystals in the sample. Young's modulus is higher along the basal planes of the kaolinite crystals. Flexural strength had lower values if a force affected the sample collinearly with basal planes of the kaolinite crystals. Both mechanical strength and Young's modulus showed that the texture effects persisted even after firing. Keywords: Porcelain electroceramics, Technological texture, Young's modulus, Flexural strength Introduction It is often assumed that due to their polycrystalline structure, ceramic materials are isotropic. But anisometric crystals or particles, which are part of the dry ceramic powder or the water ceramic slip, can be spatially oriented if an applicable method is used. For exp. spray-deposition leads to a preferential arrangement of particles parallel to the substrate surface. Similarly, a cold pressed and sintered body seems to have a preferred orientation with the particles (crystals) lying nearly parallel to the direction of the pressing force .A similar effect occurs during hot-deformation processing (moderate texture) or templating with aligned platelets (stronger texture) and hot-pressing. Crystal rotation during pressing and preferred crystal growth of plate-shaped crystals during annealing may also contribute to the texture. Another method is vibration of a container with anisometric powder particles, where the particles are affected by the gravitational force,