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Mineralogical and Physical Changes during Sintering of Plastic Red Clays from Sanaga Swampy Valley, Cameroon

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Interceram - International Ceramic Review

Abstract

The sintering behavior and mechanical properties of four alluvial clays sampled from the Sanaga River (sampling sites: Nanga-Eboko, Mbandjock, Batschenga, and Ebebda), central region of Cameroon were investigated. Specimens were shaped by cold pressing and fired between 850 and 1100°C. X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy were used to monitor microstructural modifications and thermal phase transformations. Linear shrinkage, density, open/closed porosity, and water absorption were used to assess the effects of firing cycle on the mechanical properties of the fired compacts. The results showed that between 850 and 1050°C the mineralogical phases are mainly quartz and feldspar. Mullite, spinel, and cristoballite appear at 1100°C together with viscous phases. The values of apparent density (2.62–2.76 g/cm3), open porosity, and flexural strength (3–30 MPa) of the brown compacts suggest the possible use of these clays for earthenware ceramics such as building bricks, roof and floor tiles.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Local Material Promotion Authority (MIPROMALO), P.O. Box 2396, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    N. A. Nzeukou, E. Kamseu & U. C. Melo

  2. Laboratory of Alterology and Engineering Geology, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    N. A. Nzeukou, E. R. Medjo & B. V. Kamgang

  3. Laboratory of Clays, Geochemistry and Sedimentary Environments (AGEs), Boulevard du Rectorat, 17, (Bât. B18) Sart Tilman, B-4000, Liège 1, Belgium

    N. Fagel

  4. Group of Research in Energy and ENnvironment from MATerials (GREEN-MAT), Advanced Powder Technologies and Innovative Solutions (APTIS), Allée de la Chimie, 3 Bât. B6a, B-4000, Liège 1, Belgium

    K. Traina & R. Cloots

  5. Fine Arts Institute of Foumban (IBAF), University of Dschang, P.O. Box 34, Foumban, Cameroon

    A. Njoya

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  1. N. A. Nzeukou
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  2. K. Traina
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  3. E. R. Medjo
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  4. E. Kamseu
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  5. A. Njoya
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  6. U. C. Melo
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  7. B. V. Kamgang
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  8. R. Cloots
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  9. N. Fagel
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Correspondence to N. A. Nzeukou.

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Nzeukou, N.A., Traina, K., Medjo, E.R. et al. Mineralogical and Physical Changes during Sintering of Plastic Red Clays from Sanaga Swampy Valley, Cameroon. Interceram. - Int. Ceram. Rev. 63, 186–192 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03401056

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