Physico-chemical, mineralogical and ceramic properties of Zeytoon clay deposit from Abadeh area. Fars

The Zeytoon clay deposit is located 30 Km northeast of Abadeh at Fars province. In this study, investigated physical, chemical, mineralogical and firing characteristics to evaluate their potential suitability as raw materials in various ceramic applications. Physical properties were identified by consistency limits and cation exchange capcity (CEC). Chemical and mineralogical properties were carried out by XRF and XRD. To evaluate their ceramic behavior, the samples were fired at temperatures 1156°C. Firing characteristics were determined by flexural strength, linear firing shrinkage, and water absorption. A Malaysian clay (BBC), which is a common raw material in ceramic tiles manufacturing, was used as reference sample. Results show that the main oxides in the samples were SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3, whereas the other oxides were present only in small quantities. The amount of Fe2O3 in Zeytoon clays ranged from 2 to 11 wt.%, whereas Fe2O3 in BBC clay is about 2 wt.%. Kaolinite, Pyrophillite, Illite and Quartz were present as dominant mineral phases and different minor minerals. From the results of the fired properties, and analyses of chemical and mineralogical composition along with the mechanical properties of Zeytoon clays demonstrated that they are most appropriate to be used as raw materials for the production of structural ceramics.