Effect of Clay Sand Ratio on the Properties of Clay Bodies Prepared from Local Clays

Abstract

Common clay bricks were prepared by mixing sand in different proportions (10, 20, 30, 40 wt. %) with clay. Local clay from two different sources, viz. Koel River and Naga Pond were used as the clay source. The clay – sand mixture was characterized for liquid limit, Plastic Limit and plasticity index. The brick samples were made by hand moulding and fired at 1000°C, 1100°C, 1200°C and 1300°C. Apparent porosity, Bulk density, Water absorption and Bending Strength of the samples were measured. The highest strength was 103.80 kg/cm2 for bricks prepared from Koel River Clay – Sand mixture(90% Clay - 10% Sand) and sintered at 1300°C, apparent porosity was 22.95% and water absorption 11.78%. In Naga Pond Clay, the strength was 120.02 Kg/cm2, apparent porosity 22.40% and water absorption 11.45% for 90% Clay – 10% Sand composition . The porosity increased with increase in sand content. The results show that both the clay can be suitable for common roofing tile and water pitchers.