Effects of vermiculite on in-situ thermal behaviour, microstructure, physical and mechanical properties of fired clay bricks

Vermiculite is a hydrous clay mineral that occasionally occurs in raw materials for brickmaking. The presence of vermiculite affects the drying and firing processes brick production; thus, functions this should be clarified. In study, from 0 wt% to 30 have been added mixtures button firing. Through effective integration in-situ XRD, thermogravimetric dilatometric analyses, real-time thermal behaviours interpreted, microstructure, physical compressive characteristics buttons investigated. incorporation has changed temperatures kaolinite dehydroxylation rutile formation. Enstatite, cordierite amorphous contents increased fired buttons, while mullite, quartz cristobalite decreased. retained partial sheet-like morphology at 1150 °C From 25 °C, five weight loss steps defined with six shrinkage/expansion observed. Cracks appeared on surfaces when was added. colour “light camel” “black olive”. Drying shrinkage, shrinkage bulk density an proportion vermiculite. maximum strength reached 150.94 MPa (a rise 21.6% towards control sample) 5