Effect of mineral composition and chemical activation of clay raw materials on the flexural strength of ceramic bodies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55225/sti.711Keywords:
clay minerals, flexural strength, modulus of rupture, sodium activation, smectite, kaolinite, illite, ceramic bodies, air-dried strength, clay minerals, flexural strength, modulus of rupture, sodium activation, smectite, kaolinite, illite, ceramic bodies, air-dried strengthAbstract
The mechanical strength of ceramic bodies in the air-dried state is one of the key technological parameters determining the course of forming, drying, and transport processes of ceramic green bodies. This study evaluates the influence of mineral composition and chemical activation of clay raw materials on the flexural strength of ceramic bodies, with particular emphasis on kaolinite, illitic clays, and smectite-rich raw materials. The effect of quartz sand addition and sodium activation (Na₂CO₃) on the mechanical properties of the specimens was also investigated.
Samples were prepared from KOC kaolin, Krakowiec clay, and bentonitic clay from the Bełchatów deposit, in both non-modified form and after sodium activation in the range of 3–10% Na₂CO₃. In the case of bentonitic bodies, quartz sand was added in amounts of 10–30%. Flexural strength was determined using the three-point bending method in the air-dried state and after drying at 105°C. In addition, the moisture content of the samples after drying was analyzed.
The obtained results demonstrated a significant influence of both mineral composition and chemical modification on the modulus of rupture values. The highest air-dried flexural strength was achieved for smectite-rich raw materials, whereas kaolin-based bodies exhibited the lowest binding capacity. Sodium activation resulted in a substantial improvement in the strength of all investigated ceramic bodies, although the effect strongly depended on the type of raw material and its particle size distribution. For bentonitic bodies containing 30% quartz sand, the highest modulus of rupture values were obtained with 10% Na₂CO₃ addition. Samples dried at 105°C exhibited higher strength values, which was attributed to closer packing of clay mineral layers and enhanced electrostatic interactions.
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