Mechanical Properties and Thermal Conductivity of Lightweight Clay Bricks Fabricated with a Powdered Marble Dust Additive

Abstract

The objective of this study was to recycle powdered marble dust to improve mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of lightweight clay bricks. Varying amounts of powdered marble dust (10, 20, 30, and 40 vol.%) were added to a lightweight clay brick at the firing temperatures of 900, 1000, and 1100 °C. When higher quantities of powdered marble dust were added, the values of porosity and water absorption increased while those of thermal conductivity and bulk density decreased. The decrease in apparent porosity and water absorption were also affected by the increase in firing temperature. The most desirable properties of the clay bricks were obtained for the powdered marble dust content of 40 vol.% and firing temperature 900 °C: bulk density of 1.20 g/cm3, compressive strength 9.2 MPa, thermal conductivity 0.32 W/m.K, and water absorption 22.5%.