Estudo de matérias-primas do Piauí para produção de revestimento cerâmico de queima branca

Abstract

The state of Piauí is an important producer of traditional ceramic materials, such as sealing blocks, structural blocks and tiles. However, despite having large reserves of clayey and non-clay minerals, there is no production of ceramic tiles in the state. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential and applicability of raw materials found in the state of Piauí for the production of ceramic tile. Three formulations of ceramic masses were prepared with the following raw materials: kaolinite clay, sand, kaolin and limestone. The raw materials collected in several municipalities of Piauí were characterized through particle size analysis: chemical, mineralogical and thermogravimetric. The specimens were produced by uniaxial pressing of 20 grams of material placed in a metal forming matrix with dimensions 80 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm, and fired at temperatures of 1000 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C. The evaluated technological properties were: linear shrinkage, mass loss, water absorption, apparent porosity, pparent specific mass and tensile strength. The best results were observed in the specimens of two proposed formulations, formulations 3 and 4, fired at a temperature of 1200°C, obtaining a maximum mechanical strength of 27.13 MPa and 26.95 Mpa and water absorption of 7 .03% and 8.36%, which allowed its classification as a semi-porous ceramic tile. The pieces produced presented technological properties within the normative limits for use as ceramic coverings for walls and floors. Thus, the potential of the studied raw materials available in the state of Piauí for the industrial production of quality ceramic coverings and the development of new ceramic covering products were validated.