Use of semiacid clay of the Kuznetsk Basin

Conclusions

Izhmorsk clays can be classed as kaolinite-hydrated micaceous raw materials (monothermite) with a large impurity-content of quartz. The properties of these clays are similar to those of Barzassk clays, and the two materials can be mineralogically classed as the same type.

The Izhmorsk clays were used to obtain specimens of semiacid products with an apparent porosity of 18–23%, having a finely porous structure, and a compressive strength of 300–500 kg/cm².

Since they are similar to the Barzassk semiacid clays that were studied in industrial conditions at KMK, we can consider Izhmorsk clays to be suitable for producing refractories.

The basic condition for producing semiacid refractories, when employing the method normally used for firebrick, is careful observation of the firing cycle, which will ensure completion of mullite formation, while maintaining the quartz in the crystalline phase and the production of finely porous structures in the materials.

Industrial testing of semiacid refractories in various conditions should be organized as a means of extending the application, and of solving the problem of using, semiacid products.

An all-round exploitation of the Barzassk source of fireclays and the Izhmorsk source of sands is required in conjunction with the use of the large resources of semiacid raw materials with the basic refractory clays and sands.