Ceramic properties of Uşak clay in comparison with Ukrainian clay

Abstract

In this contribution, a new raw material, Uşak clay (Usc), was investigated in order to assess its potential for the ceramic industry by comparing it with a world reference ceramic material, a Ukrainian clay (Ukc). Mineralogical characterization (X-ray diffraction [XRD], scanning electron microscopy [SEM] and Fourier-transform infrared [FTIR] spectroscopy), quantitative chemical analysis (X-ray fluorescence [XRF]) and the thermal properties of Ukc and Usc samples were investigated. Additionally, Atterberg limits, particle-size distribution and cation exchange capacity of both samples were determined. Various technological properties of Ukc and Usc were determined in the temperature range 800–1430°C. The bending and compressive strengths, total linear shrinkage, colour, water absorption and unit-volume mass values were measured. The findings from these analyses show that kaolinite-dominated Ukc and quartz-dominated Usc samples differ from each other not only mineralogically, but also in terms of their chemical, physical and technological properties. The firing colour of Usc was determined as 84% white, and so this can be considered as a light firing clay. In addition, due to its low plasticity, Usc may be utilized to reduce both the plasticity of the ceramic materials and the viscosity in slip-casting applied ceramics. Furthermore, the melting temperature of 1300°C suggests that Usc cannot be classified as refractory. However, this property does suggest an economic value for Usc in terms of developing technological characteristics at lower firing temperatures.

Analysis of clay types and their binary systems

“…The importance of a comprehensive analysis of the chemical and mineralogical composition of clay raw materials in the development of ceramic masses and optimization of technological parameters was determined by the works [13][14][15]. Research and development in this direction have been developed [16][17][18] and have become relevant in the technology of ceramic bricks due to the growing use of polycomponent masses in its production. In this regard, this work has been done.…”

Plastic behaviour of clay materials for the manufacture of fast-drying red ceramics

“…Plasticity is a key property (Vasconcellos et al ., 2019). Plasticity is related to the deformation of a body that is retained after stress relief when subjected to a certain external force (Aghayev & Küçükuysal, 2018). It is affected by many of the physicochemical parameters of clays, especially their mineralogy, particle-size distribution and the presence of soluble salts and organic matter.…”