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Mineralogical, geochemical, geotechnical and technological characterization of Tunisian Oued Zarga Clays: industrial application in the ceramic industry

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Abstract

The Lower Cretaceous of northwest Tunisia shows a large series of clayey materials for use in the ceramics industry. The Mineralogical, chemical, thermal analyses, technological proprieties and grain size distribution were carried out on clay samples selected from areas of Oued Zarga. Clay materials are considered illite clays associated with smectite. Chemical analysis indicates that these clays are notably siliceous. The alumina and iron oxide content, with a mean of 11% and 5%, respectively. Geotechnical tests show that these clays have medium plasticity values (IP = 10.5–19, 75%). The results of the geotechnical analyzes show low shrinkage during drying and baking, and high flexural strength. For this argument, the clay mixture made without mixing quartz or any other component. Technical tests show that the properties comply with international ceramic standards (ISO). Ceramic tiles and bricks prepared from these clays have suitable characteristics without defects and can be granted to European standard.

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  1. Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, 2092, El Manar, Tunisia

    Faten Hammami & Moufida El May

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  1. Faten Hammami
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Correspondence to Faten Hammami.

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Hammami, F., May, M.E. Mineralogical, geochemical, geotechnical and technological characterization of Tunisian Oued Zarga Clays: industrial application in the ceramic industry. Arab J Geosci 16, 76 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-022-11101-6

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