The Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Cambodian Clays and their Effects on the Fired Solid Clay Bricks
摘要
In this study, a comparative analysis was conducted on clays from the Kandal, Kampong Chhnang, and Prey Veng deposits in central Cambodia to evaluate their suitability as raw materials for fired solid clay bricks in the ceramic industry. Particle size distribution, plasticity, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) tests were carried out to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of the clays. Brick samples were fired from 700 °C to 1100 °C in order to evaluate the ceramic behaviors. Firing properties of bricks were analyzed by linear shrinkage, bulk density, water absorption and flexural strength tests. Three main oxides in Cambodian clay are SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3. Amount of Fe2O3 ranged between 5.5 and 7.5% and the oxide amount was in between 7.5 and 11% in previous studies of Cambodian clay. At firing temperatures above 900 °C, a notable development of densification of ceramic behavior was seen based on the fired properties results. Analysis of physical, chemical and mechanical properties of Cambodian clays showed that they are suitable to be used as a raw material in the production of fired clay bricks.