The incorporation of a illitic clay with flux characteristics into a red ceramic body of clays predominantly kaolinitic was evaluated with respect to the changes produced in the microstructure and mechanical and physical properties. The raw materials were characterized through X-ray diffraction, chemical composition, particle size distribution and plasticity tests. Compositions were prepared with 0, 10, 20 and 30 wt.% flux clay. Specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressing and fired at temperatures varying from 850 ºC to 1100 ºC. The evaluated technological properties were: water absorption, linear shrinkage and flexural rupture strength (three points). A microstructural analysis was carried out by mercury porosimetry and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the illitic flux clay addition into the ceramic body contributed to decrease the porosity and, consequently, to improve the technological properties.
Clay; Kaolinite; flux; illite; microstructure
