Abstract
The properties of ceramic materials and microstructural changes are dependent on the raw materials from which they are made and on the manner in which they are processed, from the composition to the established thermal treatment, heating rate, and firing temperature. In this study, the influence of some processing parameters (formulation, maturation time, and firing temperature) on the physical-mechanical properties and microstructural aspects of ceramic pieces produced from natural aluminosilicates was investigated. Because Brazil does not have many quality ball clays reserves, bentonite was included as a plasticizing agent in this study. The formulations were submitted to maturation for a period of one to four weeks and their characteristics were determined to evaluate plasticity. Following this, the specimens were extruded and subjected to heat at temperatures of 1200, 1300, and 1400oC. The physical-mechanical properties determined were: water absorption, linear retraction, and flexural strength. Statistical analysis was applied. The results showed that, for the analyzed masses, neither the maturation time nor the physical and mechanical properties analyzed had influence on plasticity. The firing temperature was the factor that generated the greatest alteration in results, increasing the mechanical resistance and altering the size and interlocking of the mullite needles.
Highlights
The mechanical properties of ceramic products are dependent on their composition[1,2] and processing conditions
The results showed that the chemical and granulometric composition of the clays, as well as the processing variables, influenced their physical-mechanical properties
Clays of the following types were utilized in this study: kaolin, supplied by the Rocha Minérios company located in the municipality of Juazeirinho, PB, denominated clay A; plastic clay, supplied by the Armil Mineração do Nordeste company located in Parelhas, RN, with clay coming from the municipality of Oeiras, PI, referred to as clay B; and bentonite, a natural polycationic bentonite clay from the municipality of Cubati, PB, referred to as clay C
Summary
The mechanical properties of ceramic products are dependent on their composition[1,2] and processing conditions. Some studies found in the literature deal with the influence of maturation time on the use of kaolin, and it has been verified that this variable influences the physical-mechanical properties of ceramics[3]. In addition to composition and maturation time, the conformation step is fundamentally important, because it is during this process that the material acquires its desired structural shape and characteristics. The processing parameters of ceramics masses containing aluminosilicates have been studied at the Federal University of Campina Grande in recent years, with significant results[6,7]. Figueirêdo et al.[7] evaluated some of the processing parameters of clay-based ceramic masses that had been shaped by uniaxial pressing for use in the manufacture of refractory materials. Based on the refractoriness and mechanical strength values, the authors suggested that they could be used for refractory ceramic
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