Clay Components Research Articles

Looking out for the little guy: species distribution modeling and conservation implications of the elfin skimmer Nannothemis bella (Odonata: Libellulidae)

Nannothemis bella Uhler, 1857 (Odonata: Libellulidae), the smallest dragonfly in North America, inhabit bogs and sedge fens across their distribution, spanning from Quebec (Canada) south to Florida and west to Minnesota and Louisiana (USA). While common in the northern part of their range, N. bella is of conservation concern in the southern populations where they are disjunct and rare. Little work has been done on the ecology and geographic conservation of this species. To fill this knowledge gap, we constructed species distribution models (SDMs) to analyze the spatial distribution and climatic niche of N. bella, define factors in habitat suitability and estimate potential niche shifts under climate change and inform conservation efforts. Our present-day SDMs indicate the dominant environmental elements determining habitat suitability include the proportion of silt in soil, temperature seasonality, percentage of clay and coarse components in soil, and soil class. Our paleodistribution models show a southern distribution within the last glacial maximum, with a shift northward 8,326 to 4,200 years ago. Our projected SDMs for 2050 under RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5 predict a significant decrease in habitat suitability throughout the entire range of N. bella. As such, N. bella is a species of conservation concern and conservation measures are imperative for its continued existence as a much-needed bioindicator for these freshwater ecosystems. Additionally, this ecological knowledge provides the foundation for identifying population sites from which to collect N. bella for future population genetic studies.

Physicochemical analysis and sequential extraction of rare earth elements from Malaysian ion-adsorption clays

Abstract The growing demand for Rare Earth Elements (REEs) has spurred the search for new sources, including ion adsorption clays. This research focused on characterizing ion-adsorption clay minerals and sequentially extracting samples from Kelantan, Malaysia, to assess their potential for REE extraction. Techniques such as XRF, XRD, and ICP-MS were used to analyze the samples, which primarily consisted of Si, Al and Na. XRD results indicated that kaolinite and quartz were the main components of ion adsorption clay. Sequential extraction revealed that most REEs were in the ion exchangeable fraction, with lanthanum, cerium, and neodymium showing higher concentrations. This study advances REE extraction methods and lays the groundwork for future research

Remediation of Various Phenanthrene-contaminated Soils using Persulfate-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7: Soil Properties, Radical Formation, and Microbial Community

In this study, the complex interaction of oxidizing conditions, soil composition, microbial activity, and phenanthrene (PHE) degradation was explored in persulfate (PS)-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7 remediation of four PHE-contaminated soils: Paddy soil (PAS), Saline soil (SS), Red soil (RS), and Cinnamon soil (CS). Batch experiments displayed the optimal PS dosage was 0.750% (w/w), except for CS (0.125%), achieving PHE degradation rates of 54.79% ~ 81.92% on the 27-day. The zeta potential of soil clay component after 0.750% PS oxidation was lower than 0.125% and 2.000% PS, resulting in a higher PHE bioavailability and biodegradation. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analysis showed that the abundance of dominant hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in CS was 3 times higher than in PAS at 0.750% PS and PS to Fe2+ molar ratio of 2:1, indicating that a higher soil organic matter would decrease the content of ·OH thus diminishing PHE removal. Stepwise linear regression and sensitivity analysis indicated that the key influential factors in the PHE degradation rate were the residual PHE content after oxidation (60.12%) and hydrolase nitrogen content (30.97%). High-throughput sequencing results showed the bacterial diversity and richness in four soils decreased after combined remediation compared to pristine soil. Redundancy analyses revealed that the fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase enzyme was the key factor effect of soil bacterial community development in SS; and electrical conductivity and FDA hydrolase enzyme were the key factors in RS, CS, and PAS. This study may provide technical support for optimizing chemical conditions for PS-microbial remediation.

Physical and chemical properties of soils from different geological formations affecting Tuber melanosporum plantations: a case study in Acqualagna area (central Italy)

Soil properties play a pivotal role in the fructification of the Périgord black truffle (Tuber melanosporum Vittad.). However, the precise manner in which soil composition influences truffle production remains unclear. This study considered three plantation sites located in Acqualagna (central Italy), an important area for the cultivation of black truffles. The sites differed in terms of productivity and geological terrains. Site 1, which produced 4 kg yr−1, was on Schlier sediments (marls and clayey marls; Miocene age), site 2, which yielded 12 kg yr−1, was on alluvial deposits (heterogeneous, mainly sandy gravels and gravels; Holocene age), and site 3 produced 40 kg yr−1 was on Scaglia variegata (alternating marly limestones, calcareous marls, and marls; Eocene age). A total of 62 soil samples were collected and analyzed for their physical, chemical, organic, and mineralogical composition. Among the samples a control area without the presence of truffle was included. The soils composition differed for the content in phyllosilicates and calcite which ranged from 124 to 398 g kg−1 and 98 to 450 g kg−1, respectively. Principal component analysis extracted three factors, accounting for 82% of the total variance. Factor 1 (46.2% of the variance) was strongly and positively correlated with sheet silicates, smectite, clay and negatively with skeleton (fraction > 2 mm). The soils from Scaglia variegata and Schlier clustered around the active carbonate content which was 266 g kg−1 in Scaglia and 250 g kg−1 in Schlier. These soils clustered also for the clay fraction (389 g kg−1 and 428 g kg−1, respectively) as well as for the smectite (268 g kg−1 and 307 g kg−1, respectively). In spite, the soils from alluvial deposits clustered per skeleton (638 g kg−1). In terms of soil productivity, it can be posited that the contribution of the skeleton was always dominant. The carbonate contents allow for the differentiation between intermediate soils (alluvial deposits) and low-productivity soils (Schlier). Additionally, the clay component was found to be high in both low (428 g kg−1) and high productivity soils (389 g kg−1). Conversely, it was low in medium productivity soils (125 g kg−1). The automatic linear modelling (ALM) indicated that among all of the variables considered in this study, six of them were included in the equation and explained 94.3% of the variation in soil classified as suitable for black truffle production. In particular, calcite was identified as the most important predictor variable, followed by available P and K. Regarding the influence of functional groups of humic substances, amide I (1641 cm−1) exerted a positive effect while lignin residues (1510 cm−1) had a negative one. The findings of this study may assist in the selection of optimal soils for black truffle cultivation.

Heat mitigation in basal compacted clay liners in municipal solid waste landfills.

In municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills, biodegradation of the organic MSW fraction results in elevated waste and basal liner temperatures which have the potential to cause the clay component of the basal liner to experience severe moisture loss over time and eventually undergo desiccation cracking. Cracking of the basal liner's clay component would result in an uncontrolled release of contaminants into the surrounding environment and ultimately give rise to a variety of major environmental concerns. Accordingly, this study examined the variation of temperature-moisture profiles along the depth of a compacted clay liner (CCL) exposed to different constant elevated waste temperatures (CETs) in the absence and presence of two heat reduction techniques, respectively. Rockwool insulation layers with varying thicknesses and galvanized steel cooling pipes with varying flowrates were introduced separately as the two heat reduction techniques. Introduction of both techniques led to a significant attenuation of the temperature rise and desiccation experienced by the CCL in the face of different CETs. An increase in rockwool thickness increments led to a progressive reduction of CCL temperature, while an increase in flow rate under turbulent condition did not have a significant influence on the temperature and desiccation reduction of the CCL. Nevertheless, the present study certainly highlights the potential of the two proposed heat reduction techniques to minimize desiccation and consequently increase the service life of CCLs exposed to different elevated temperatures in MSW landfills.

Spatial variations and vertical migration potentials of petroleum hydrocarbons with varying chain lengths in soils of different depths: Roles of solid and dissolved organic matters and soil texture

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) in contaminated sites may threaten human health and ecological safety, while the environmental behaviors of PHs with varying carbon chains and critical influencing factors need to be elucidated, thus facilitating efficient risk management. This study explored the occurrence characteristics and spatial variations of different PHs at the depths of 0–10 m in an abandoned industrial site, as well as evaluated the effects of solid organic matter (SOM), dissolved organic matter (DOM), and soil texture on the migration potentials of PHs with varying carbon chains. Furthermore, the leaching potentials of different PHs were integrated into their risk assessment. The total concentrations of PHs in contaminated soils ranged from 22.7 to 397 mg/kg in contaminated soils, and the long-chained PHs (C22-C40) represented the major components with an average contribution of 46.9 %, followed by short-chained PHs (C10-C12, 32.0 % average) and medium-chained PHs (C13-C21, 21.1 % average). As soil depth increased, a declining trend was observed in the proportions of long-chain PHs, with an augmentation in the relative abundance of short-chain PHs. The random forest model coupling redundancy analysis showed that SOM was the major contributor to the occurrence and vertical attenuation of PHs with longer carbon chains in underground soils, with clay component exerting a greater additional effect than silt and sand components. While DOM in soils exhibited a relatively high contribution to the retention of PHs with short carbon chains. These results demonstrated the significant influence of SOM and clay on the behavior of long-chained PHs and DOM on that of short-chained ones. Besides direct human exposure, the leaching potentials of PHs, particularly short-chained ones, in soils should be considered for a more comprehensive risk assessment. The findings of this study may assist with the behavior modelling and prediction of different PHs as well as the corresponding risk control.

Study on the Improvement Performance of Different Clay Components with Desulfurization Gypsum-Containing Cementitious Material

Study on the Improvement Performance of Different Clay Components with Desulfurization Gypsum-Containing Cementitious Material

Clay Minerals/TiO2 Composites—Characterization and Application in Photocatalytic Degradation of Water Pollutants

TiO2 used for photocatalytic water purification is most active in the form of nanoparticles (NP), but their use is fraught with difficulties in separation from solution or/and a tendency to agglomerate. The novel materials designed in this work circumvent these problems by immobilizing TiO2 NPs on the surface of exfoliated clay minerals. A series of TiO2/clay mineral composites were obtained using five different clay components: the Na-, CTA-, or H-form of montmorillonite (Mt) and Na- or CTA-form of laponite (Lap). The TiO2 component was prepared using the inverse microemulsion method. The composites were characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning/transmission electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms. It was shown that upon composite synthesis, the Mt interlayer became filled by a mixture of CTA+ and hydronium ions, regardless of the nature of the parent clay, while the structure of Lap underwent partial destruction. The composites displayed high specific surface area and uniform mesoporosity determined by the size of the TiO2 nanoparticles. The best textural parameters were shown by composites containing clay components whose structure was partially destroyed; for instance, Ti/CTA-Lap had a specific surface area of 420 m2g−1 and a pore volume of 0.653 cm3g−1. The materials were tested in the photodegradation of methyl orange and humic acid upon UV irradiation. The photocatalytic activity could be correlated with the development of textural properties. In both reactions, the performance of the most photoactive composites surpassed that of the reference commercial P25 titania.

Characterization and ceramic properties evaluation of Lombok clay

Purpose. This research aims to assess the characteristics of ceramics made from Lombok clay to optimize the quality of ceramic products in the Lombok region and surrounding areas. Methods. Methods used to characterize Lombok clay include measuring its chemical composition, loss on ignition, plasticity level and conducting mineral analysis. Additionally, the influence of sintering temperature on clay properties and shrinkage is studied. Findings. The main mineral component of Lombok clay is kaolin, which has a high level of plasticity and a water absorption rate of 7 ± 0.6%. The ceramic body produced from this clay is classified as semi-porcelain, making it suitable for medium-sized tableware manufactured using the rotating technique. Originality. This research highlights the effect of sintering temperature on the mineral transformation of Lombok clay and provides valuable information on its optimal applications. It fills a gap in the literature by providing comprehensive data on clay properties and optimal processing conditions that have previously been underexplored. Practical implications. Lombok clay is used predominantly by small-scale ceramic craftsmen in Lombok and Bali due to its relatively low market price. With the findings of this study, these craftsmen can enhance the quality of their products to semi-porcelain standards by adjusting the sintering temperature.

Effects of clay type and component fineness on the hydration and properties of limestone calcined clay cement

Effects of clay type and component fineness on the hydration and properties of limestone calcined clay cement

Efficient technology for manufacturing electrical ceramics from low-iron diopside rocks

Relevance. The use of natural diopside CaMgSi2O6 in the production of ceramic dielectrics was implemented at two enterprises in the Chelyabinsk region in 1985 on the basis of comprehensive studies of diopside rocks of the Southern Baikal region by the team of the Department of Silicate Technology of Tomsk Polytechnic University. Natural diopside was used as an additive to the charge of electrical porcelain. In addition, ceramic dielectrics with a diopside crystalline phase were manufactured for exploitation at the frequencies of 106 Hz. Currently, the need for ceramic dielectrics in Russia is covered by imports. Though, the development of new technologies for ceramic dielectrics from domestic raw materials is relevant. Aim. To develop an efficient technology for ceramic dielectrics with a diopside crystalline phase from natural low-iron diopside rocks. This technology includes the production of compacts of unfired products by moulding aqueous suspensions of compositions of nonplastic components. Object. The technology of ceramic dielectrics with a diopside crystalline phase, including the firing of compacts formed from aqueous suspensions of diopside concentrate compositions with perlite as flux. Methods. The suspension was obtained by grinding the components in an aqueous environment in a ball mill with uralite balls at humidity of 20±2%. Compressive and bending strength, electrical strength, dielectric constant of the samples were determined according to the SS 24409-80, water absorption was measured according to the SS 26093-84. X-ray phase analysis was carried out on a DRON-3M diffractometer (Burevestnik, Russia), structure analysis was implemented on a JSM 6000 electron microscope (Jeol, Japan). Results. A distinctive feature of the proposed technology is the use of nonplastic components only to prepare the suspension and the exclusion of clay components. This makes it possible to reduce the humidity of the castings and stabilize the formation of the ceramic structure during firing. The authors have obtained ceramic dielectric with a diopside content of 70±2 wt % by firing products molded at 1130–1150°C. The bending strength reached 85–90 MPa with an electrical strength of 35–38 k V/mm2.

Firing the wall: A novel way to protect earth buildings

It is widely recognized that external earthen renders are susceptible to accelerated degradation caused by environmental factors. Therefore, chemical stabilization has become a common approach to address this issue. This study focuses on the stabilization of earth renders by heat treatment, considering criteria such as energy efficiency and the judicious use of resources. Different earth rendering mortars with additives such as wheat paste and horse dung were investigated. These were subjected to surface heat treatment at 400 °C for one minute. Changes in mechanical properties, including shear strength, adhesion and water erosion resistance were examined. The results showed that surface heat treatment at 400 °C improved water erosion resistance but negatively affected shear strength and adhesion to the adobe substrate. Interestingly, the mortar containing wheat paste showed the least reduction in shear strength and adhesion, with a 16 % decrease, while it experienced a water erosion resistance. The phenomenon was observed in all specimens and is attributed to the microstructural changes induced by the irreversible processes of dehydration and dehydroxylation, which alter the clay components on the surface of the earthen render. Overall, heat treatment shows promise for improving the durability of earthen renders against environmental degradation.

Effect of sintering temperature on ceramic membrane fabricated using coal flyash and natural clay for lignin recovery

This study explores the utilization of coal fly ash combined with natural clay as a precursor for creating ceramic membranes through the uniaxial compaction method, aiming at lignin separation. These membranes were sintered at varying temperatures from 600 to 1000 °C. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) revealed the robust thermal stability of the membranes. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis affirmed the presence of silica and alumina within the membranes. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) peaks indicated the crystalline structure and the presence of metal oxides originating from the fly ash and clay components. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) images illustrated the porous nature and rough surface of the ceramic membranes. The average pore radius of the fabricated membrane expanded from 43.12 to 7.91 nm with increasing temperature. Concurrently, membrane flux decreased from 4.13 to 0.96 ×10−6 m3/m2 s with higher temperatures. Lower contact angles indicated the hydrophilic properties of membranes. All membranes exhibited superior corrosion resistance and negative zeta potential, owing to the significant silica content in the fly ash. Lignin separation efficiency increased from 65 % to 81 % with increasing temperatures. The optimal sintering temperature was determined to be 800 °C, achieving a lignin recovery greater than 76 % and a membrane permeability of about 7×10−9 m3/m2 s kPa. Thus, the fly ash-clay-based ultrafiltration membranes synthesized in this study offer the potential for lignin biomass recovery from biorefinery effluent.

Petrographic and geochemical study of Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks in the western Anti-Atlas belt, Morocco: Facies, weathering, provenance and economic exploitation

Detrital and volcanic-detrital rocks from the Ifni Buttonhole and Lakhssas Plateau were analyzed to determine their provenance, compositional maturity, and alteration source. Geochemically, the sediments were classified as arkoses, lithic arenites, grauwackes, sandstones, lithic arenites, and Fe-rich sands, indicating low compositional and mineralogical maturity. A high average SiO2 concentration and low Al2O3 were consistent with a low abundance of shale and clay components. The geochemical signatures of the detrital and volcano-detrital (RDVD) rocks indicate that they have undergone a moderate to low degree of chemical alteration. The CIA study also suggests that the granitic, granodioritic rocks represent the source provenance which, during weathering and transport, supplied the detritus to the supra-crustal units. The major trace element data suggest that these rocks are largely derived from felsic igneous rocks, namely granitoids, with a minor contribution from intermediate sources. The carbonate rocks do not represent a wide variety of facies: dolomitic limestone, calcareous limestone, and calcaro-dolomitic chert. Calcitic and dolomitic samples show a linear increase in SiO2, regardless of their CaO/LOI ratio values, which remain relatively constant. The highest SiO2 contents are observed in the calc-dolomitic chert. Geochemical analysis of RDVD from the Ifni buttonhole determined their origin, maturity, and alteration. Major oxides decreased with higher silica content, indicating quartz control. Samples, formed under semi-arid conditions, show maturity under stable deposition. They suggest a felsic, recycled source, with moderate alteration and zircon enrichment during recycling. In the study area, limestones and dolomites serve as materials applicable in the building sector, suitable for all types of concrete. The Taliwine Formation harbors Lower Cambrian dolomites and limestones, ideal for mosaic aggregates. Described as variable in color, compact, homogeneous, very hard, and resistant to alteration, the plutonic rocks form prominent peaks. They exhibit both subalkaline characteristics in granitoids and an alkaline trend in dolerite dykes. Most samples display minimal alteration, indicating the reliability of their major element compositions for geochemical analyses. These granitoids constitute valuable deposits for ornamental and building rock purposes.

Insight on molecular interactions in shrinkage of Na-montmorillonite clay by molecular dynamics simulation

Expansive soils are known to be hazardous materials for infrastructure due to their high shrinking or swelling potential. Understanding the shrinking factors of expansive soils such as montmorillonite (MMT) is essential for predicting their mechanical properties. The interactions between the components of Na-MMT clays, e.g., MMT layer–layer (LL), layer–cation (LC), layer–water (LW) and water–cation (WC), are responsible for its shrinking behavior. In this study, molecular dynamics simulation and grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations are used to investigate the interaction energy evolution in the layered structure of Na-MMT for the shrinkage mechanisms analysis of clay. The results of simulation indicate that the magnitude of the interaction energy contributed by the interlayer cations dehydration is the driving force of the interlayer shrinkage. Furthermore, in the hydrated state, with one water layer, two water layers and three water layers, the attractive interactions between WC and LW, maintain the stability of the clay layers. However, at the dry state, the interaction energy between layers and cations appears to be the most essential component in holding the stacked layers together, which provides structural stability to the clay sheets. Finally, the study reveals that intermolecular interactions contribute to the mechanical properties of clays such as cohesive and elastic properties.

Effect of pore-bearing fluids on the mechanical behavior of siliceous cemented sandstones containing different clay contents and types

The clay minerals contained in the reservoir rock of CO2 geological storage formations can adsorb fluids and swell, which weakens the rock and promotes deformation. This phenomenon has not been widely investigated due to the complexity of the mineral components of the rock. To study the relationship between fluids in rock pores and the mechanical behavior of clay-bearing reservoir rocks, three types of siliceous cemented sandstones mainly composed of clay minerals and quartz, both dry and saturated with various fluids (i.e. N2, scCO2, H2O), were subjected to conventional triaxial compression tests. The results show that the fluids weakened the mechanical strength of the sandstones, and the degree of weakening depended on the clay composition and the type of fluid, with no significant relationship to the clay content. For the sandstone containing montmorillonite, compared to the dry condition, scCO2 and H2O reduced the peak strength by up to 7.16% and 15.33%, respectively, while for the sandstone containing only kaolinite as clay component, scCO2 and H2O reduced the peak strength by 3.34% and 3.18%, respectively. As a control, N2 weakened the strength of the three types of sandstones between 1.46% and 4.04%. By considering the failure characteristics of sandstone at the macro- and microscales, the failure mechanism of the sandstones was explained from two perspectives: the intercrack surface energy reduction and the swelling of clay. This study offers new perspectives for assessing the mechanical stability of fluid-bearing reservoirs and clarifies the role of clay in the connection between fluids in rock pores and the mechanical behavior of rocks.

Processes occurring during the synthesis of wollastonite‑containing refractory used in non‑ferrous metallurgy

This article presents the results of research on the processes occurring during the synthesis of wollastonite‑containing ceramics obtained from various clay components. The peculiarities of crystalline phase formation in the material are described. The obtained information lays the foundation for the organization of ceramic production that is in demand in the metallurgical industry.

ASSESSMENT OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING RECYCLED COARSE AGGREGATE IN A WOOD-SOIL CONCRETE SLAB

Problem statement. During the process of post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, there will be a need for a large number of affordable and ecological building materials, especially in the part of restoration and construction of low-rise buildings. Such building materials can be soil-concrete and aggregates from crushed concrete waste. The proposed constructive solution of the ribbed floor, in which the ribs are made of pine beams and OSB sheets, and the slab part is made of soil concrete on fixed formwork. The purpose of the article is to determine the optimal composition of the soil-concrete mixture using crushed stone obtained after crushing concrete scrap, taking into account the configuration of the wood-soil concrete slab, to determine the strength of soil-concrete of this composition, to determine the possibility of using recycled coarse aggregates. Conclusions. Based on the results of determining the optimal composition of soil-concrete, it was established that the maximum compressive strength is achieved when the mass content of the binder in the cement-soil mixture is at the level of 20 %. Taking into account the configuration of the slab part of the floor, a fraction of 5...7.5 mm is accepted for coarse aggregate. During the test of soil-concrete samples with recycled aggregate with a mass content of 10 %, 20 % and 30 %, the compressive strength of soil concrete decreased. Obviously, the presence of a clay component (loam) in the mixture reduces the adhesion in the contact zone between the aggregate and the soil-concrete, which increases the heterogeneity of the entire structure of the soil-concrete. Thus, the use of natural or recycled coarse aggregates in soil-concrete is impractical. Taking into account the determined strength of soil-concrete without aggregate, a scheme of combined concreting of the soil-concrete slab is proposed – heavy concrete above the rib and soil-concrete in the overhangs. In this case, there is a need for research on the possibility of using recycled coarse aggregate of the required size in heavy concrete.

Microstructural Observations on the Durability of Stabilized Rammed Earth

This study provides a qualitative microstructural investigation of fly ash geopolymers' role in rammed earth's durability against water ingress and contact erosion. A series of SEM (scanning electron microscopy) images were captured on geopolymer-stabilized as well as unstabilized rammed earth samples. These samples were fabricated from predefined amounts of sand and fine materials together with fly ash geopolymers in the laboratory by static compaction to 25 MPa inside rigid molds. Two standardized durability tests were performed, namely, the dip test and the spray (also known as erosion) test. The results of these tests reflected excellent durability properties (practically zero erosion) of the stabilized material. The microscopic investigation provided an insight into the reason behind this improvement, where geopolymer networks inhabited the macro and micro pores and served as a cementing agent interconnecting the earthen materials’ grains. On the contrary, grains of the unstabilized material were weakly bonded by the clay component of the mixture, as observed with the SEM images; therefore, they were more susceptible to erosion by water.

3D-printed clay components with high surface area for passive indoor moisture buffering

This study focuses on implementing a novel approach in which clay 3D-printed matrices were designed as a passive comfort solution to enhance indoor moisture buffering and air quality. Liquid Deposition Modeling additive manufacturing and parametric design were implemented to develop the components, which were characterized for having an increased specific surface exposed to air and moisture per volume unit, which showed to significantly enhance moisture buffering. This revealed a clear linear relationship between the two parameters. Additionally, the components showed a significant increase in the practical Moisture Buffering Value (MBV) and mass reduction compared to a solid clay reference. Furthermore, this research analyzed the influence of two stabilization techniques on the moisture uptake capacity of the samples, i.e. thermal treatment at different temperatures between 600 and 1000 °C and mixing with calcium hydroxide paste within the 10–40 % range. Finally, the morphological (scanning electron microscopy) and crystallographic (X-ray diffraction) analyses of the samples show a correlation between microstructural modifications and the variations of moisture uptake capacity and MBV. In addition, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements revealed that sample porosity decreased as the temperature of the thermal treatment increased, showing a correlation with the decrease of practical MBV.