Influence of Firing Temperature on the Behavior of Clay Ceramics Incorporated with Elephant Grass Ash

The microstructural and technological properties of clay ceramic incorporated with 10 and 20 wt% of elephant grass ashes were investigated at different firing temperatures of 650, 850 and 1050 degrees C. X-ray diffraction were used to obtain the minerals and phase compositions. The microstructure was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The technical properties related to water absorption, linear shrinkage and flexural rupture strength were obtained by standard test. The results showed significant changes in the microstructure and phasic composition with increasing firing temperature. A marked improvement in the water absorption, decreasing to 18% as well as increase in strength, above 5 MPa, was found at 1050 degrees C. However, only a slight contribution might be attributed to the incorporation of elephant grass ash. Nevertheless, its use as a by-product and the associated saving in clay are relevant environmental and economical advantages.