Structural and Mechanical Properties of Non-Glazed Ceramic Tiles Developed from Selected Mineral Deposits in Uganda

George William Mukwaya; Ben Enjiku; Emma Panzi Mukhokosi

doi:10.25159/NanoHorizons/13816

Authors

George William Mukwaya Kyambogo University
Ben Enjiku Kyambogo University
Emma Panzi Mukhokosi Kyambogo University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25159/NanoHorizons/13816

Keywords:

clay minerals, ceramic tile, XRD, SEM, EDX, XRF, mechanical properties

Abstract

Uganda is well endowed with clay resources; however, comprehensive knowledge about the composition, structure and suitability of these clays for ceramic tile production is lacking. In this study, we provide a comprehensive characterisation of locally sourced clays in Uganda and their suitability for ceramic tile production. In the study, we developed ceramic tiles using feldspar, kaolin, ball clay and sand from four different sites in Uganda. We focused on analysing the surface morphology, crystallographic structure and mineralogical composition of the raw materials. In addition, we examined the mechanical properties of the developed tiles with the different mixture ratios of the clay types. The surface morphology of the raw materials was analysed by using a scanning electron microscope. The structural analysis of the raw clay materials was done using X-ray diffraction. The mineralogical composition of the raw materials was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicated that the strength and rapture modulus are influenced by the composition of kaolin and feldspar. We concluded that the selected mineral deposits can be used in the production of ceramic tiles in Uganda.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

References

A. Bennour et al., “Identification and traditional ceramic application of clays from the Chouamekh region in south-eastern Tunisia,” Appl. Clay Sci., vol. 118, pp. 212–220, 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.clay.2015.09.018.

P. W. Olupot, S. Jonsson and J. K. Byaruhanga, “Study of glazes and their effects on properties of triaxial electrical porcelains from Ugandan minerals,” J. Mater. Eng. Perform., vol. 19, no. 8, pp. 1133–1142, 2010, doi: 10.1007/s11665-010-9597-1.

R. W. Grimshaw and A. B. Searle, The chemistry and physics of clays and allied ceramic materials (4th ed.). London: John Wiley & Sons, 1971.

O. E. Craig et al., “Earliest evidence for the use of pottery,” Nature, 496, pp. 351–354, 2013, doi: 10.1038/nature12109.

M. Baeck, “John Marriott Blashfield (1811–1882). A neglected pioneer of decorated ceramic floor tiles,” Glazed Expressions, no. 55, pp. 3–5, 2006, https://www.academia.edu/43667339/John_Marriott_Blashfield_1811_1882_A_neglected_pioneer_of_decorated_ceramic_floor_tiles.

A. M. Berto, “Ceramic tiles: Above and beyond traditional applications,” J. Eur. Ceram., vol. 27, no. 2–3, pp. 1607–1613, 2007, doi: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2006.04.146.

E. B. Kasimbazi, Environmental law in Uganda (3rd ed.). Alphen aan den Rijn: Kluwer Law International BV, 2023.

P. W. Olupot, Characterization of ceramic raw minerals in Uganda for production of electrical porcelain insulators. Kampala: Makerere University, 2010.

P. W. Olupot, S. Jonsson and J. K. Byaruhanga, “Characterization of feldspar and quartz raw materials in Uganda for manufacture of electrical porcelains,” J. Aust. Ceram. Soc., vol. 42, no. 1, pp. 29–35, 2006.

I. J. Moses and E. Ben, “The effect of holding time on the compressive strength of Mukono Ntawo ball clay,” Int. J. Innov. Sci. Res. Technol., vol. 3, pp. 281–288, 2018.

J. B. Kirabira, G. Wijk, S. Jonsson and J. K. Byaruhanga, “Fireclay refractories from Ugandan kaolinitic minerals,” Steel Res. Int., vol. 77, no. 8, pp. 531–536, 2006. doi: 10.1002/srin.200606426.

W. Ochen, “Mechanical properties of ceramic floor tiles made from selected minerals in Uganda,” PhD dissertation, Kyambogo Univ., Uganda, 2012.

R. Dewi, H. Agusnar and Z. Alfian, “Characterization of technical kaolin using XRF, SEM, XRD, FTIR and its potentials as industrial raw materials,” J. Phys.: Conf. Ser., vol. 1116, no. 4, p. 042010, 2018, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1116/4/042010.

] M. Medhioub et al., “Ceramic tiles based on central Tunisian clays (Sidi Khalif formation),” Clay Miner., vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 165–175, 2012, doi: 10.1180/claymin.2012.047.2.02.

H. M. Baioumy and I. S. Ismael, “Composition, origin and industrial suitability of the Aswan ball clays, Egypt,” Appl. Clay Sci., vol. 102, pp. 202–212, 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.clay.2014.09.041.

B. Bühn and A. H. Rankin, “Composition of natural, volatile-rich Na-Ca-REE-Sr carbonatitic fluids trapped in fluid inclusions,” Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta, vol. 63, no. 22, pp. 3781–3797, 1999. doi: 10.1016/S0016-7037(99)00180-5.

L. D. Akwilapo and K. Wiik, “Ceramic properties of pugu kaolin clays. Part 2: Effect of phase composition on flexural strength,” Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop., vol. 18, no. 1, 2004. doi: 10.4314/bcse.v18i1.61631.

W. Carty and U. Senapati, “Porcelain-raw materials, processing, phase evolution, and mechanical behavior,” J. Am. Ceram. Soc., vol. 81, no. 1, pp. 3–20, 1998, doi: 10.1111/j.1151-2916.1998.tb02290.x.

D. Rodriguez, “Ceramic clays: A review of their different types, meanings and applications,” Bol. Soc. Esp. Ceram. Vidrio, vol. 41, no. 5, pp. 459–470, 2002, doi: 10.3989/cyv.2002.v41.i5.665.

Y. Chalouati, A. Bennour, F. Mannai and E. Srasra, “Characterization, thermal behaviour and firing properties of clay materials from Cap Bon Basin, north-east Tunisia, for ceramic applications,” Clay Miner., vol. 55, no. 4, pp. 351–365, 2020, doi: 10.1180/clm.2021.4.

G. Bolelli et al., “Plasma-sprayed glass-ceramic coatings on ceramic tiles: Microstructure, chemical resistance and mechanical properties,” J. Eur. Ceram., vol. 25, no. 11, pp. 1835–1853, 2005, doi: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2004.06.018.