Effects of fritted borax solid wastes on the properties of brick bodies

Abstract

Brick is a structural ceramic material that, in modem times, is made by pressing clay into blocks and firing them to a requisite hardness in a kiln. In order to improve quality and usage fields of brick, it is obvious that its properties have to be enhanced. In this study, borax solid wastes taken from Eti Maden Kirka Boron Company of Turkiye were fritted and incorporated into the brick bodies replacing of brick clay up to 40 %. Newly prepared bodies were dried and then fired at between 850-1000 °C in an electrically heated furnace. Physical, mechanical and micro structural changes of final products were determined. According to the results fritted borax solid wastes improved the properties of the brick bodies thanks to the diopside formation during firing. It was seen that the wastes can easily be utilized in the brick bodies.