Abstract
Ceramic bodies composed of steatite residues from workshops from the region of Ouro Preto (MG-Brazil) and 15, 20 and 25% of kaolinite clay were fired at 1000 and 1200 °C for 2hrs in air to evaluate their technological properties. Essays of flexural strength and water absorption showed that ceramic bodies have a performance for their use as commercial bricks with values in accordance to those defined by the Brazilian standards. The mixture material, raw and fired, was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, ICP/OES and SEM. After fired, the samples showed a more compact surface and an advanced sintering process. Talc and kaolinite are the dominant minerals in raw ceramics. After being fired, talc changes to enstatite and at 1200°C, mullite, periclase and cordierite appear. These minerals affect the physical properties of the ceramic bodies such as reduction of the porosity, increase of the sintering process and consequently, increased flexural strength. The results show that mixtures kaolinite clay and steatite have potential for application in ceramic industry which can also contribute to reducing the environmental impact of industrial waste from steatite.
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