THE USE OF MINERAL RAW MATERIALS OF ZHAMBYL REGION IN THE PRODUCTION OF BUILDING CERAMICS

Abstract

The utilization of clay raw materials in combination with industrial by-products, such as phosphorus slag and waste glass, offers an effective approach to expanding the raw material base of ceramic production, reducing environmental impacts, and improving the efficiency of natural resource utilization. This study evaluates the feasibility of using medium-plastic loam from the Sarykemer deposit, granulated phosphorus slag, and ground waste glass in the production of building ceramics and determines the optimal ceramic mass  composition to achieve enhanced physical and mechanical properties. The chemical and mineralogical compositions of the raw materials and their influence on the properties of the ceramic body were investigated. Experimental specimens with different component proportions were prepared at a molding moisture content of 20%, followed by drying and firing at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1050 °C. The optimum firing temperature was determined based on the degree of sintering observed on the fracture surface and the physical and mechanical properties of the fired specimens. The optimal ceramic composition was found to consist of 80% loam, 15% phosphorus slag, and 5% ground waste glass. The incorporation of these additives enhanced the sintering process, promoted the formation of a dense ceramic body, and improved the physical and mechanical properties of the material. Specimens fired at the optimum temperature of 1000 °C exhibited a compressive strength of at least 20 MPa. The obtained results demonstrate the effectiveness of utilizing local mineral resources and industrial by-products from the Zhambyl region for the production of wall ceramics, enabling the manufacture of high-quality ceramic materials with improved performance, reduced consumption of natural raw materials, and enhanced environmental sustainability of the production process.