CERAMIC TILE PROPERTIES AFFECTED BY ARGILLITE GRINDING AND BURNING TEMPERATURE

Abstract

The paper presents general information on the argillous raw material in Russia. It is found that the chemical composition of argillites is characterized by the increased contents of Al₂O₃, K₂O and iron oxides which vary respectively from 17 to 23 %, from 2.5 to 4.3 %, and from 4 to 7 %. The mineralogical composition of argillite includes hydromica of two types, such as isometric, which is the allotigenic component, and elongated-lamellar produced by a catagenetic process of montmorillonite transformation. The composition also contains kaolinite, chlorite, green earth, quartz, plagioclase. The main requirements for the road clinker bricks and ceramic tiles are given and the main trends in the production of these products are described.

Dependences are suggested for such sample parameters as strength, water absorption and density and the argillite grinding degree and calcination temperature. It is shown that due to finer argillite grinding  within 0–0.16 and 0–1.25 mm, the strength increases by 1.5–2.5 times. Due to the roasting temperature ranging 900 to 1100 °С , it increases by 2–4 times. Within these ranges, the required water absorption of less than 5 %, is achieved with grinding down to of 0–0.315 mm fractions and 1000 °C firing temperature and higher. Water absorption of less than 2.5 % required for clinker brick, is achieved with grinding down to 0–0.315 mm fractions and 1050 °C firing temperature and higher. The low-temperature sintering of argillite-based materials is rather perspective for the tile production.