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Potential use of raw clayey deposits from El Jadida, Morocco, in the manufacture of traditional ceramic products has been evaluated through a careful sampling and an in-depth characterization of the outcropping features around Ouled Sidi Ali Ben Youssef area (El Jadida city). We collected six representative clay-rich materials (C1–C6) for subsequent analyses by several spectroscopic and mineralogical techniques including physico-chemical, mineralogical, and thermal analyses. Our results revealed high amounts of oxides, mainly SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO and MgO. Those ferruginous clays were found suitable for dark ceramic bodies. Further mineralogical examination confirmed low to medium contents of clay minerals, but subordinated by quartz, calcite, dolomite and plagioclase as the main nonclay minerals. Ternary diagram plots indicated that the studied clays were suitable for structural clay products and clay roofing tiles. C5 sample exhibited the best physico-chemical and mineralogical properties due to its illitic nature (64%), low quartz content (28%), high plasticity index (32) and lower loss on ignition (10.84%). Therefore, C5 clayey sample was selected as a potential candidate to be mixed with expanded perlite (EP) for the production of insulating ceramics. Specimen were prepared from the new mixture (i.e., C5 and EP) by pressing and firing at 1100 °C. The obtained ceramic bodies were ascertained by addressing their bulk density, water absorption, shrinkage, bending strength, thermal conductivity, structural and mineralogical properties.

This work is based on the valorization and characterization of Moroccan geomaterials (MG) in the ceramic field. The raw materials (Kaolinitic clay of Oulmes: (KC); Red clay of Safi: (SC); Marl of Fez: (FM); Andalusite rich Schists of Oulmes: (AS); Magnesite of Boudkek: (Mag)) have been selected and characterized in terms of chemical, mineralogical composition, and thermal behavior wherein performed. The sintered ceramics (up to 1400 °C) resulted from these natural substances were tested mainly by physical, mechanical, and synthesized phase composition, as well as microstructural analysis, to determine their characteristics. As a result, the ceramic materials based on mullite and periclase have been obtained and confirmed by the X-ray diffraction and the scanning electron microscopy.

Physicochemical, mineralogical, and thermogravimetric characterizations were carried out to assess the potential technological benefits of natural sand deposits from El-Oued district (eastern Algeria). The use of granulometric analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX), and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis was necessary to further highlight the main physical and chemical properties of the studied sands. The grain size distribution suggests fine-to-medium sands with a mean grain size ranged from 207 to 261 μm. However, the grain micro-texture features indicate aeolian nature of El-Oued sand, and the chemical analysis reveals that all samples contain a high ratio of silica (SiO2) reaching 94% with low content of CaO, Al2O3, Fe2O3, Na2O, and K2O oxides, which reflects the siliceous nature of El-Oued sand. The mineralogy of the El-Oued sand consists mainly of α-quartz (≤ 93% SiO2) with minor calcite (CaCO3) and very small amounts of feldspar mineral. Furthermore, the crystallite size of Quartz in all sand samples was determined to be in the range of nanometric scale. Thermal analysis (TGA) showed that El-Oued sand was relatively stable upon 800 °C. These characteristics corroborate the interesting and promising uses of El-Oued sand in the industry and nanotechnology.

This study presents the effect of slaked lime (Ca(OH)2) on the physical and microstructural properties of geopolymers based on natural Moroccan pozzolan. The slaked lime was incorporated at 4, 8, and 12% replacement by weight of pozzolan. Aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) with different molarities (4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 M) and sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) were used as alkali activators. The molarity of 8 M NaOH was selected as the optimal concentration. The effect of slaked lime was evaluated by measuring the compressive strength (Rc), P wave propagation velocity (Vp), bulk density (D), porosity (P), and water absorption (A). Complementary studies using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were also performed. The results revealed that the incorporation of 8% of slaked lime catalyzed the geopolymerization reaction and promoted the dissolution of the crystalline phases as well as the amorphous phase of pozzolan. These improvements in the geopolymerization reaction resulted in the formation of new phases such as phillipsite-type calcium zeolite and calcium aluminosilicate hydrate, producing the best-performing geopolymer from a physico-mechanical point of view (Rc = 23.05 MPa, Vp = 2.21 km/s, D = 2.05 g/cm3, P = 5.13%, and A = 2.49%).

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.

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 (NW morocco), 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 (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Main physical and mechanical properties were assessed and correlated to their respective microstructural changes. The obtained results showed that both magnesite and dolomite were mainly composed of MgCO3 and CaCO3. In contrast, lizardite sample showed high amounts of silica, magnesia and iron oxide. Technological tests indicated that the prepared mixtures had increased flexural strengths. An increased amount of lizardite in the initial mixtures enhanced mechanical properties of the prepared ceramic specimens. The same data showed that lizardite has led to a decrease in linear shrinkage during calcination and subsequently, the production of ceramics with the required technological properties. Thus, the preparation of lizardite-based ceramics from the raw material deposits of the Rif area, Morocco, is technically feasible, economically justifiable and socially desirable due to the contribution to the economic growth of the raw materials sector, especially ceramic industry.

Processing of magnesia based ceramic by unidirectional dry pressing from Moroccan magnesite is described. The applied magnesite was characterized in terms of its composition, granulometric analysis, surface specific area, and thermal behavior. After appropriate processing, the prepared specimens were fired at various temperatures up to 1350 °C to study the ceramic properties. The ceramic material resulted after firing was investigated regarding the phases composition, structural characteristics, and physical properties of technological interest. On this way, the production of materials having interesting properties such as shrinkage, porosity, density, flexural strength, toughness, dielectric constant, and thermal conductivity is achieved. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the ceramic sample is composed of periclase as major phase and monticellite and calcium alumino-ferrite as minor phases. The content of amorphous phase that governs the sample properties varies between 26.5 and 31%. Thermal shock tests realized in water showed that the ceramic sample presents good thermal shock resistance. The results revealed that Moroccan magnesite has qualities necessary for the manufacture of ceramic products.

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/cm 3 ); 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.

One of the most important elements of furnaces, boilers and other heating units is the structure (lining), usually made of silica–alumina, basic or special refractories. The basic refractories are materials that are increasingly in demand and whose manufacturing involves necessarily the use of MgO and CaO. In this article, the description and characterization of magnesite (MgCO3) and dolomite (Mg,Ca(CO3)2) and their contribution in industrial ceramics-refractories have been reviewed.

This paper mainly focuses on the preparation of new low-cost ceramic microfiltration membrane made from natural magnesite. Firstly, local Moroccan magnesite was deeply characterized in order to understand its chemical and mineralogical composition, and its thermal behavior. It was confirmed that used natural magnesite exhibits high purity degree in terms of magnesite mineral. Next, flat magnesite membrane was fabricated via uniaxial pressing and sintering methods. The effect of sintering in the range 900−1200 °C on morphology, porosity, pore size, permeability and mechanical strength was investigated. Based on experimental results, the optimized membrane (sintered at 1100 °C) has a porosity of 48.15 %, a pore size of 1.12 μm, a water permeability of 922 L h−1 m-2 bar-1 and a mechanical strength of 6.1 MPa. Finally, the optimized magnesite membrane was subjected to filtration of industrial textile wastewater in order to evaluation its performance as microfiltration membrane. Importantly, experimental results are clearly demonstrated that magnesite membrane effectively clarifies textile wastewater. It was showed that turbidity and chemical oxygen demand removals could achieve 99.9 and 69.7 %, respectively.

In this article, the elaboration and the characterization of silica-alumina refractory have been reviewed. Refractory oxides encompass a broad range of unary, binary, and ternary ceramic compounds that can be used in structural, insulating, and other applications. This paper provides a historical perspective on the elaboration and the use of silica-alumina refractory, reviews applications for refractory oxides, describes typical processing routes, overviews fundamental structure–property relations, and summarizes the properties of these materials.

Production of porous and light-weight bricks with acceptable flexural strength is accomplished. Sawdust was used as an additive to an earthenware brick to produce the pores. SEM-EDS, XRD and XRF analysis of the raw materials and the elaborated refractory were performed. Mixtures containing sawdust were prepared at different proportions (up to 30%). Apparent porosity at 1600 °C was investigated with the bulk density, water absorption, firing shrinkage and flexural strength. Microstructural investigation was carried out by both natural light microscopy and polarized light microscopy. The results obtained showed that the samples tested here maintained their shape without undergoing any deformation up to 1600 °C. The use of sawdust decreased the fired density of the bricks down to 1.24 g/cm³. Foi conseguida a produção de tijolos porosos e leves de aceitável resistência â flexão. Foi usado resíduo de serragem como aditivo para a produção de poros em tijolos. Foram feitas análises de MEV-EDS, DRX e FRX das matérias-primas e do refratário. As misturas contendo os resíduos foram preparadas em diferentes proporções (até 30%). A porosidade aparente a 1600 °C foi investigada por avaliação de densidade, absorção de água, retração sob aquecimento e resistência a flexão. Investigação microestrutural foi feita por microscopia de luz natural e microscopia de luz polarizada. Os resultados mostram que as amostras testadas mantiveram a forma sem sofrer qualquer deformação até 1600 °C. O uso de resíduo de serragem diminuiu a densidade dos tijolos para 1,24 g/cm³.

Different mixtures of Moroccan silica-alumina geomaterials were used for the preparation of refractory ceramics. A formula of composition (M2) has allowed obtaining a good quality of refractory. Addition of a small quantity of carbon (1%) to the M2 formula has substantially improved the quality of the refractory. The morphological, textural and mineralogical evolution, through SEM and XRD shows that the addition of carbon, which plays a catalytic role, favors the crystallization of andalusite. Then, from 1200°C, the andalusite starts to transform to primary mullite needles. At 1400°C, the mullite becomes the major mineral phase beside cristobalite and vitreous phase.

Five mixtures (M1 to M5) of silica-alumina geomaterials and two varieties of alumina (AP and AR) were used for the elaboration of mullite refractory materials between 1500℃ and 1600℃. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the refractory samples are composed of mullite, corundum and silica. The length of the mullite crystals was measured by a method of image analysis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Chemical and mechanical properties of these materials were investigated and correlated with their microstructure. Resistance towards Acid Attack test showed that the refractory samples present good resistance, as well as, the alumina powder AR obtained from waste of silica-alumina bricks proves to be efficient for an eventual use.

The present chapter focuses on the scientific and technical research on clay-based nanocomposites. It begins with an introduction reminding the definition of clay nanocomposites reinforcement, the history of evolution of their field of research and development, their properties and their application fields. A synthesis is then presented on the mineralogy of natural clays specifying their classification and their physicochemical properties. This synthesis also includes the geology of argillaceous rocks citing their mode of genesis and their geographical distribution according to climatic zones. The last part of this paper shows, through the example of Morocco, the spatial distribution of clay deposits and the relationship that may exist between the nature of clay minerals of a deposit and its geological context. The note ends with a brief presentation on the different techniques of purification of natural clays and their organophilic transformation to make them finally ready to be used for the preparation of nanocomposites.

Investigations were undertaken to assess the chemical and technological characteristics in clay products from the Cretaceous deposit (Moroccan Meseta), in order to use them in refractory products. We have focused mainly on this clay because of its high content of alumina, silica and magnesium oxide, which are very favorable for the synthesis of refractory and ceramic materials. That is why the study has used several techniques of analysis (FX, XRD, SEM and technological tests. The samples were dry pressed on clay bodies and sintered at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1200°C. The relationship between water absorption, shrinkage and flexural strength as a function of the firing temperature was examined in order to enhance the quality of the final products and to optimize the production process. The results revealed that these clays have qualities necessary for the manufacture of ceramic and refractory products.

La presente etude correspond a une approche pluridisciplinaire menee en etroite collaboration entre des geologues, des chimistes et des industriels de la ceramique. Les resultats confirment l’etroite relation existante entre la composition des argiles et la qualite du produit ceramique final. Les briquettes obtenues, dans les memes conditions, a partir de deux argiles marocaines assez differentes du point de vue chimique et mineralogique, presentent des caracteristiques technologiques bien distinctes. l’utilisation d’adjuvants mineraux, bien selectionnes, contribue a l’equilibrage des argiles brutes et conduit a une nette amelioration de la qualite du produit ceramique, notamment une reduction de leur retrait a la cuisson et une augmentation de leur resistance a la flexion. Concernant l’effet du processus de fabrication, l’application de l’engobe et de l’email, s’avere etre a l’origine de bombement des carreaux lors de la cuisson, en raison vraisemblablement de la difference des coefficients de dilatation des deux milieux argile et email.

Processing of mullite and alumina based refractory ceramic by unidirectional dry pressing, from two mixtures that include silica sand, pure alumina (PA) and recycled alumina (RA) is described. The samples were sintered up to 1600 °C to study the refractory properties. The fired properties of materials (firing shrinkage, water absorption, density, flexural strength, refractoriness, and SEM microstructure) were evaluated. Promising refractories materials based on mullite and alumina were obtained.

Refractory materials were elaborated from silica–alumina geomaterials related to granitoids and their direct surrounding rocks (kaolin clay and andalusite rich schist). The use of andalusite rich schist as aggregates (mean grain size: 1000–2000 μm) could improve the mechanical properties of synthesized refractory. The flexural strength increased from 39.10 to 54.16 MPa. The pyroscopic temperature increased from 1400 to 1450 °C. Thermal conductivity of the porous brick produced in this study (1.11 W/m K) showed 39% of reduction compared to initial brick of the same composition (1.83 W/m K). The thermal shock tests showed that the refractory samples have a good thermal shock resistance.