For the production of ceramic tiles, it is necessary to use high-quality and economical raw materials, which will optimize the properties of the final product and meet the prescribed standards. For this reason, it is necessary to examine the properties of each potential raw material. This paper examines radioactivity and technological properties of kaolinized granite from the Motajica mine, in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis (DTA) were carried out. In order to examine the technological (ceramic) properties of this raw material, ignition tests of the composite obtained by introducing kaolinized granite (with a content of 25 %) into the standard factory series of ceramic tiles were conducted at four selected temperatures (1050, 1100, 1120, and 1150 ℃). Total linear shrinkage, flexural strength, and water absorption were determined for the produced biscuit. Using gamma spectrometry, the activity concentrations of radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and, 40K were measured, and then the radiation risk for external exposure of workers in the industry was assessed using hazard indices and doses. The radiation risk from the use of manufactured unglazed ceramic tiles in houses was also assessed. Statistical analysis of radionuclides for 100 samples of kaolinized granite was performed using descriptive statistics and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). It was observed that the average values of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K are above the average for building materials in the world and amount respectively to 122 Bq kg−1, 96 Bq kg−1, and 1068 Bq kg−1. All other obtained values indicate that it is a quality raw material that, despite having an increased content of radioactive elements compared to the world average, does not represent a radiological hazard for workers and people who stay indoors on an annual basis. The tested raw material satisfies all technological criteria for further use and can be considered a desirable ingredient of ceramic composites because it can partially or completely replace feldspar.
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