Abstract

This study examined the chemical, mineralogical, physical, thermal, and technological characteristics of the Dostluk (DM), Halach (HM), and Sakar (HM) clay deposits located in the Amu-Darya basin of Turkmenistan. The potential suitability of these deposits was evaluated for the local ceramic brick industry. The chemical and mineralogical features were identified by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), ion chromatography (IC), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The physical properties were characterized by granulometric analysis by sieving, particle size distribution, scanning electron microscopy/optic analysis, specific surface area, Pfefferkon’s plasticity index, reabsorption, shrinkage, water absorption, mechanical (compression and bending), and freeze–thaw durability tests. The thermal methods were performed using dilatometry and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analyzer (TG/DTA). The test samples for the different clay deposits were extruded, dried, and fired at three different temperatures of 850 °C, 950 °C, and 1050 °C. While the Dostluk and Sakar clays have high plasticity, Halach clay has been found to have low plasticity. The mechanical and freeze–thaw durability tests demonstrated that the outcomes of the clays of different origins were sufficient, achieving compressive strengths of over 10 MPa and mass loss less than 3%, which are acceptable by industry standards. Semi-industrial processed hollow bricks demonstrated promising characteristics. While the Dostluk and Sakar clay-based brick specimens were visibly free of cracks, the Halach specimens showed some cracks. The physical and mechanical improvements of these clays were performed with three mixtures, which are M1 (80 mass% DM + 20 mass% brick waste), M2 (85 mass% SM + 15 mass% brick waste), and M3 (70 mass% HM + 25 mass% SM and 5 mass% brick waste) for the brick industry.

Highlights

  • The building industry has an important role in the economic development of developing countries as it is directly related to many industries, such as cement, concrete, steel and other metals, glass, tile, and bricks [1]

  • The Dostluk mix (DM), Halach mix (HM), and Sakar mix (SM) clays were in block-sized portions > 5 cm with

  • The small amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3 ) particles found in HM and SM were greater than the 500 μm sieve portion, which led to the formation of the free CaO phase in the fired brick specimens

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Summary

Introduction

The building industry has an important role in the economic development of developing countries as it is directly related to many industries, such as cement, concrete, steel and other metals, glass, tile, and bricks [1]. One of the most important of these sectors is the brick industry, which has a global production of approximately 1.391 trillion pieces in 2014 annually [2]. Clays are essential components of ceramic products and building materials [7]. It is important to understand the features of clays for diverse 4.0/). The features of clay materials are determined by their chemical and mineral composition [8], organic content, particle size distribution, plasticity [9], and moisture [10]. The technological treatment of clay materials is important. This includes forming technology, applying pressure, drying and firing processes, and soaking time, etc. This includes forming technology, applying pressure, drying and firing processes, and soaking time, etc. [11]

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