The Influence of Al2O3 Microparticles on the Pore Structure of Fired Clay

Abstract

Contemporary demand after high-quality ceramics leads to the depletion of raw material deposits. The industry also produces waste secondary materials that cannot be used directly for the desired purposes. It is therefore necessary to find other uses for these materials. It is common practice in the ceramics industry to stockpile fine fractions of refractory clays prior to their firing in a shaft kiln. These fractions have the size of 35 mm and less and when stored in a mound are facing a risk of weathering. Finding a purpose for these unused materials will markedly slow down fresh clay mining and make the production more eco-friendly and cost-effective. This paper seeks a suitable technology of treating fine fractions of BC (Brezina Clay), sometimes called FBC (Fine Brezina Clay), prior to its being fired into grog. The stockpiles hold tens of thousands of tons of these fractions. The properties of the fired clay are determined by the length of time for which the material has been stockpiled, moisture content, of the clay, as well as the briquetting pressure before firing in a shaft kiln. FBC contains approx. 41 % of aluminium oxide. This amount is not high enough for certain applications. The aluminium oxide content can be increased by the addition of bauxite, corundum, mullite, kaolin, clays rich in Al2O3, or technical Al2O3. The experiment described in this paper tested how the addition of technical Al2O3 affects the pore structure of fired FBC, which is later used as a grog in both shaped and non-shaped refractory products. The influence of firing temperature on the material's mineralogy was examined as well