Análise das variáveis do processo de fabricação para a obtenção de produtos cerâmicos a partir de argilas do município de Russas - Ce

Abstract

The ceramic interlocking pavement, also known as paver, is a product widely used in the international market but not well known in Brazil. It has high added value and the potential to boost the development of the Local Productive Arrangement of Red Ceramics in Russas, located in the State of Ceará. This study aims to evaluate the influence of compaction load and sintering temperature on the production of ceramic pieces from clay masses in the region, with the goal of manufacturing pavers that meet international application standards regarding mechanical, physical, and aesthetic properties. The raw materials used are clays from the municipality of Russas/CE, the central city of the mentioned LPA. The clays were subjected to mineralogical, chemical, and physical characterization using techniques such as energy- dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, x- ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), granulometric analysis, and determination of the plasticity index. Test specimens were produced in the laboratory by pressing at 5 kN, 10 kN, and 12.5 kN, and fired at temperatures of 910 °C, 930 °C, 950 °C, and 990 °C. The ceramic samples were characterized for their physical properties, including linear shrinkage, apparent specific mass, porosity, and water absorption, as well as their mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and abrasion index, and their microstructure, using SEM and XRD. The data were statistically evaluated using ANOVA (analysis of variance) and the Tukey test. The results indicate that, according to Colombian and American standards, the ceramic pieces produced in this study are suitable for light traffic pavements. The analysis of the results shows that the test specimens sintered at 910 °C with a compaction load of 5 kN have physical and mechanical properties comparable to or superior to samples sintered at higher temperatures. These pieces can be classified as type II, for intermediate abrasion areas, and type III, for low abrasion environments. Thus, the results confirm the feasibility of producing ceramic pavers for light traffic roads, with medium and low abrasion resistance.