Abstract
This study aims at evaluating the potential suitability of Tetouan and Meknes (central Morocco) clay material as raw materials in various ceramic applications by investigating their textural, chemical, thermal and firing characteristics. Textural properties were identified by specific surface area, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and bulk density (ρs). Chemical and thermal properties were assessed using XRF and TG/DTA techniques, respectively. Firing characteristics at temperatures from 800℃ to 1100℃ were determined by linear firing shrinkage, loss on weight and water absorption capacity. The Meknes clays are characterised by medium cation exchange capacity (CEC) and specific surface area (SSA) values due to their moderate smectite content. The Tetouan clays have medium to low CEC and medium SSA values. The main oxides in the clayey samples are SiO2 (35 - 54.3 wt%), Al2O3 (20.6 - 43.9 wt%), and Fe2O3 (9.7 - 22.4 wt%). The amount of CaO in Meknes clays ranges from 8 to 12 wt%, whereas CaO is only present in some Tetouan clay (TE4, TE7, TN4 and TN5). A significant densification of ceramic behaviour could be noticed for most of Tetouan clays at firing temperatures above 1000℃. Meknes clays show earlier densification from 800℃. The chemical, textural and ceramic properties of Tetouan and Meknes clays indicate their suitability as raw materials for the production of structural ceramics. The high amount of Fe2O3 in all clays makes them inappropriate in fine ceramics.
Highlights
Throughout the world, clays are the main raw materials exploited in the fabrication of various ceramic products for building construction
The aim of this study is to evaluate the viability of the Tetouan and Meknes clay deposits as an industrial mineral resource by comparing their textural, chemical and thermal properties as well as drying and firing behaviours
The analysis of the isotherms was performed according to the methodology of Vallée, Keller [20], which provided specific surface area (SBET), micropore volume calculated by the Dubinin-Radushkevich equation (VDUB), and total pore volume calculated from the adsorbed volume at saturation (Vp)
Summary
Throughout the world, clays are the main raw materials exploited in the fabrication of various ceramic products for building construction. Due to inherently complex physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics, clays have unique properties related to their own natural genesis [1]-[4]. Many ceramic tiles are manufactured from mixtures of mineral raw materials, composed essentially of clays and materials such as quartz, feldspar and carbonates. The raw materials are mixed in variable proportions taking into account the influence of each component on the properties of the final products [10] [11]. The components that play fundamental roles for optimum processing, and performance of the final products, are clay fraction (
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