Characterization of valangenian-hauterivian clays of northwestern tunisia for ceramic fabrication

الملخص EN

This study focuses on the mineralogical, geochemical, physical, and geotechnical tests carried out on Valangenian–Hauterivian clays, collected from Djebel Oust in North West Tunisia.

The object of this study was to evaluate the potential of these clays to manufacture traditional ceramic products. The study has proved that these clays are aluminous and siliceous.

It has been shown that the clays are characterized by the presence of clay minerals such as illite (up to 90 %), kaolinite, I / Sm mixed layers, and the absence of gypsum and smectite. These clays adapt to fast drying because their drying shrinkage does not exceed 3.4 %.

They have a low firing shrinkage and plasticity with the less than 2.32 % and 18 %, respectively.

The firing expansion is also limited.

For these reasons, these clays can be used in the manufacturing of ceramic products.