Effects of Lizardite Addition on Technological Properties of Forsterite-monticellite Rich Ceramics Prepared from Natural Magnesite and Dolomite

Lizardite rich peridotite has never been used to prepare ceramic specimens, especially in Morocco. For this raison, potential use of naturally abundant lazirditic material from the Rif domain, as a supply for ceramic industry, has been evaluated. The effects of lizardite addition to magnesite and dolomite mixtures on the thermomechanical properties of the calcined ceramics were also detailed. To achieve this target, natural lizardite, magnesite and dolomite samples were collected in ultrabasic Beni Bousra massif. Those raw samples were used for the synthesis of a forsterite-monticellite rich ceramics. Both raw and sintered samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and fourier transform infrared. The obtained results showed that both magnesite and dolomite were mainly composed of MgCO3 and CaCO3. In contrast, lizardite sample showed high amounts of SiO2, MgO and Fe2O3. An increased amount of lizardite in the initial mixtures enhanced mechanical and dimensional properties of the prepared ceramic specimens, and subsequently, the production of ceramics with the required technological properties. Thus, the preparation of Moroccan lizardite-based ceramics is technically feasible, economically justifiable and socially desirable due to the contribution to the economic growth of the raw materials sector, especially ceramic industry

Contribution a l'etude petrologique, mineralogique, metallogenique et de petrologie structurale des formations de la region d'Azegour (Haut Atlas occidental, Maroc)

T 55378 / INIST-CNRS - Institut de l'Information Scientifique et TechniqueSIGLEFRFranc

Réflexions méthodologiques sur la lithologie d'assemblages paléolithiques de la région de Rabat-Témara (Maroc)

National audienc

Lithologie : données générales (chapitre XXI)

International audienc

Lithologie des sites de la région de Rabat-Témara (chapitre XI)

International audienc

Lithologie des sites de la région de Rabat-Témara (chapitre XI)

International audienc

Lithologie : données générales (chapitre XXI)

International audienc

Complete characterization of Berrechid clays (Morocco) and manufacturing of new ceramic using minimal amounts of feldspars: Economic implication

This work proposes the mixing of two varieties of Moroccan clay (C1 and C2) with silica sand in order to minimize the amount of the feldspar used. The raw materials were previously characterized in terms of their composition and thermal behavior. Two formulations noted M1 and M2 were elaborated according to the experimental protocol and they were evaluated in terms of their mechanical and thermal characteristics. The addition of C2 clay in the formulation allows a reduction in the amounts of feldspar of the order of 5%, while improving the technological characteristics of this new ceramic (M2) compared to that obtained by the conventional formulation. Indeed, the obtained ceramic (M2) shows the following characteristics: porosity (11.65%); density (2.71 g/cm3); shrinkage (4.91%); flexural strength (30.05 N mm−2) and thermal conductivity (2.73 W/mK). Results of this study permit a reduction in the amount of the feldspar used, a relatively expensive raw material, and consequently reduces the cost of ceramics

Characterization of halloysite from Morocco: evaluation of its suitability for ceramic industry

peer reviewedaudience: researcher, professional, student, popularization, otherHalloysite from Nador (NE Morocco) has been studied to evaluate their suitability in ceramic industry. Cross-section involving all the Messinian facies was performed in the Melilla Neogene basin, at the foot of the Gourougou volcano, in order to understand the origin of the halloysite and appreciate its reserves. White layers of halloysite and red clays rich in smectite occurred in contact with basal reef limestone, were characterized by mineralogical (XRD, IR), textural (SEM) and physico-chemical analyzes (grain-size, Atterberg limits, ATD/TG, XRF and specific surface area). Ceramic proprieties were evaluated for fired halloysite from 500 to 1100°C in order to appreciate technical processing for ceramic production. The halloysite consists of fine particles with a high plasticity and a large specific surface area. XRD results revealed the presence of 7Å non-hydrated halloysite with the presence of gibbsite, alunite, K-feldspar plus other minor phases, and traces of smectite and illite. Infrared spectroscopy confirms the occurrence of characteristic bands of halloysite at 3695 and 3618 cm-1. SEM observations confirmed the predominance of tubular facies typical of halloysite. The chemical analysis revealed high aluminum content linked to the presence of some aluminous phases (gibbsite and alunite). ATD/TG and XRD results of fired clay sample evidenced halloysite dehydroxylation and a rearrangement of metakaolinite to form mullite and spinel from 975°C. Moroccan halloysite has good properties for refractory ceramic application. However, quartz sand addition is required to avoid any cracks development at firing as well as to reduce the plastic behaviour of raw halloysite and minimize shrinkage during sintering