Using mordenite-rich tuff as a natural clay replacement in fired clay brick production

Abstract

This work examines the impact of mordenite-rich tuff (MT) on the technological properties of fired clay brick. These specimens were obtained by substituting clay with MT in various proportions (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50, and 100 wt%). They were pressed at 10 MPa, air-dried in the laboratory, and fired at 900 °C using two different clays: clay of Remila (CR) and clay of Adjiba (CA), Algeria. The mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of fired bricks were determined and compared to those of control bricks (0 wt%). According to the finding, the partial and total substitution of clay by MT reduced the sample’s thermal conductivity and bulk density. Thus, the MT increased the apparent porosity and the water absorption of clay brick while maintaining the compressive strength within the limits of the Algerian standards. This research revealed the possibility of producing bricks containing up to 100% by weight of MT with the required technical and environmental properties.