Technological Characterization of Bigadic Boron Works Waste Clay: A Case Report

The aim of this study is to characterize the technical properties of Bigadic Boron Works Waste Clay (BWC) fired at various temperatures. For this purpose, the clay sample was first characterized by chemical and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The mineralogical composition of BWC was composed of ulexite, smectite, illite, quartz, calcite and magnesite phases. To evaluate technological behaviors, pressed clay samples were fired separately at temperatures between 900, 950 and 1000° C. Fired specimens were evaluated by water absorption, linear shrinkage, bending strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and color measurements. The results showed that there became a significant densification at temperatures especially above 950° C. Based on the technological characteristics, BWC could be used as an additive raw material in the manufacture of structural ceramics.

Keywords: Bigadic waste clay; Characterization; Firing behavior; Ceramic properties