Caracterização tecnológica das argilas aluvionares de Aquiraz e Chorozinho, na Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza

Abstract

The county of Aquiraz is responsible for greater representation in clay extraction in the metropolitan area of Fortaleza. Nevertheless, it is perceived in some ceramic industries that county the existence ofproblems related to loss and process rework due to defects of the parts. This stems mostly due to the mixing ratio of the raw material introduced into the process is inadequate, due to the lack of knowledge of its features. Thus, the technological characterization of clays can provide input for improvement of the process used in these industries by reducing the production costs of these companies. The methodology involved the application of stress tests to bending strength and water absorption, mixtures of plastic and non-plastic clay used to make bricks, in the ceramist industries of Aquiraz and Chorozinho, and additionally qualitatively evaluate these mixtures in production of roof tiles. Parallel analyzes were performed diffraction and X ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy to identify the mineralogical phases present. The results of the Chemical and mineralogical analysis revealed the predominance of kaolinite and illite in alluvial clays including kaolinite and smectite interstratified of associations. Moreover, technological tests of clay mixtures showed good results for the manufacture of products for the clay industry.