Abstract
The purpose of this study is to characterize a clay soil chemically, physically, mineralogically and technologically, taken from the locality of Ntokou, located near Makoua (Brazzaville, Republic of Congo). This clay is analyzed. The relevant revelations are made about its mineralogical composition determined by X-ray diffraction. The ternary diagrams, constructed on the basis of chemical and mineralogical compositions, are necessary and important for the production of ceramic products (which are still traditional until today), by improving the technological parameters (Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, water absorption, porosity and flexural strength) of this clay. The technological parameters are measured from the temperature of 900 to 1150°C. The thermal behavior is studied from DTA/TGA curves. After cooking, collocated ceramic products are observed: this is confirmed by the diagrams of chemical and mineralogical compositions of Fiori. The clay soil of Ntokou can also be used as a complementary material in the manufacture of hollow ceramic products, according to Augustinik diagram.
Highlights
The use of clay resources made by man, mainly in the manufacture of building materials and pottery has been used since antiquity (Konta, 1995)
The ternary diagrams, constructed on the basis of chemical and mineralogical compositions, are necessary and important for the production of ceramic products, by improving the technological parameters (Atterberg limits, linear shrinkage, water absorption, porosity and flexural strength) of this clay
After cooking, collocated ceramic products are observed: this is confirmed by the diagrams of chemical and mineralogical compositions of Fiori
Summary
The use of clay resources made by man, mainly in the manufacture of building materials and pottery has been used since antiquity (Konta, 1995). The natural abundance and immediate availability of clays explain their great uses, over time. Most ceramics (tiles, bidets, porcelains, etc.) made from clays are imported from foreign countries. This importation can be explained by the lack of a real ceramic industry which results from a lack of knowledge of clays in Congo. The use of these materials depends on, on the one hand, their mineralogical and chemical compositions.
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