Abstract
The Cretaceous clays of north-western Tunisia have been studied for their use in the traditional ceramic industry (bricks, tiles and pottery). Mineralogical, chemical, thermal analyses, technological proprieties and grain size distribution were carried out on clay samples collected from Jebel El Moura (BM section) and kef Lasfar-Oued El Jebs (MK section) in the locality of Mjez el Beb. The results showed that these clay minerals are represented mainly by kaolinite associated with illite and smectite. Quartz, calcite, feldspars and hematite were also detected as accessory minerals in the whole rock. The amount silica is convenient for the manufacture of ceramic products. So the prepared mixtures were made without admixture of any variety of silicate. The technology tests revealed that the modelled products had small shrinkage during drying and firing, and a high bending strength. For this reason, the clay mixtures were made without admixture of quartz or any other component. As a result, Mjez el Beb clays have high qualities necessary for the manufacture of tiles and ceramic bricks.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
