Effect of the addition of expanded vermiculite in the technological properties of ceramic materials of clay base

This paper discusses the effects of adding expanded vermiculite ceramic block made from two different types of clay and analysis of the properties for three compositions at different sintering temperatures. Samples pressed at 40 MPa were sintered between 800 and 1100 ° C. The technological properties were determined according to the sintering temperature. The evaluation of the crystalline phases and microstructure was carried out by X-ray diffraction results indicated that with the addition of expanded vermiculite in the specimens there was an increase in porosity of the blocks together with the water absorption, therefore a reduction in apparent density, as well as the breakdown voltage of the three-point bending. This study demonstrates the possibility of formulating ceramic blocs order to improve the insulating properties of these materials. (author)