2017-05-01 JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING 2017 11(卷), null(期), (17-24页)
This article summarized some characteristics of clayey materials from semi-arid climate in Far North Cameroon and evaluated their use in ceramic bricks production. Three samples (Ma1, Ma2 and Ma3) were characterized using XRD, FTIR, XRF and firing at 900, 1000 and 1100 degrees C. SiO2 (similar to 64-75%), Al2O3 (similar to 12-15%), Fe2O3 (similar to 25%) and (similar to 7%) of fluxing agents (K2O, CaO, Na2O) were the predominant oxides with a reduce contents in Ma3. Quartz (similar to 40%), K-feldspar (similar to 25%) and plagioclase (similar to 14%) were non-clay minerals while clays minerals were mainly kaolinite (similar to 4-10%), illite (similar to 4-7%) and smectite (similar to 2-7%). Ma1 and Ma2 are similar in terms of mineralogy, particle size distribution and plasticity. Sample M3 is most sandy (65%) and less plastic (2.3%). After firing Ma1 and Ma2 provided good technological properties compared to Ma3. At 1000 degrees C for example, they displayed a metallic sound, bulk density of 1.8 g/cm(3), a linear shrinkage < 5%, water absorption of 13% and flexural strength > 5 MPa. Mixing Ma3 with other samples (up to 50%) substantially improved the quality of the firing specimens for making construction bricks.