The Impact of Basalt Components on the Structure of Bricks Formed as a Result of Hydrothermal Treatment

Abstract

The article focuses on brick products, the production of which is based on natural components, such as lime (CaO), quartz sand (SiO2) and water (H2O), and which are created during the process of the so-called hydrothermal treatment. In the production process of the modified brick, basalt components (basalt aggregate, with graining of 2–4 mm, basalt powder and basalt fibers) were used because of their natural origin, mineralogical composition, high volume density, and possibly minimal absorbability. In the article thermodynamic properties of minerals forming the construction of basalt components were determined, as well as the phases that arise during the autoclaving process. Compressive strength and density were investigated due to acoustic properties. The product modified with basalt aggregate shows decrease in water absorption as a result of capillary action and in absorbability up to 9% (in the reference sample up to 16%). The sample with basalt aggregate shows compressive resistance of 33 MPa on average, with the increase of volume density to 2.29 kg/dm3. Modification of sand-lime mixture presented satisfying results with 10% basalt powder additive. Application of basalt fibers slightly changed the volume density and absorbability compared with the norm sample. However, it affected the compressive resistance.