Influence of Firing Temperature on the Behavior of Clay Ceramics Incorporated with Elephant Grass Ash

Abstract

The microstructural and technological properties of clay ceramic incorporated with 10 and 20 wt% of elephant grass ashes were investigated at different firing temperatures of 650, 850 and 1050oC. X-ray diffraction were used to obtain the minerals and phase compositions. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The technical properties related to water absorption, linear shrinkage and flexural rupture strength were obtained by standard test. The results showed significant changes in the microstructure and phasic composition with increasing firing temperature. A marked improvement in the water absorption, decreasing to 18% as well as increase in strength, above 5 MPa, was found at 1050°C. However, only a slight contribution might be attributed to the incorporation of elephant grass ash. Nevertheless, its use as a by-product and the associated saving in clay are relevant environmental and economical advantages.

Development of Sensible Heat Storage Materials Using Sand, Clay and Coal Bottom Ash

“…Generally, raw materials for ceramic pastes containing CaCO 3 are liable to form crystalline phases at relatively low temperatures from 950˚C to 1000˚C [53]. In addition, alkaline contributes to the formation of liquid phases at low temperatures [54]. As the ratio of alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) is enough in the CBA, it could contribute to an increase the quantity of kaolinite.…”