Caracterização físico-química da argila tipo taguá e implicações para a indústria cerâmica de monte carmelo, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Clays constitute one of the major raw materials for the industrial sector due to their diversified applications. Regarding the ceramic industry, such materials are extensively used in the manufacture of blocks, roof tiles, bricks, tiles, among others. Considering a physical, chemical, geological point of view, the characterization of clays is an increasingly demanded requirement. The municipality of Monte Carmelo is an outstanding national producer of roof tiles and bricks, having its raw materials constituted from clays denominated “taguá”, originated from the “in situ” alteration of mesozoic sedimentary rocks from the Sanfranciscana Baisin, and from the so called “common” clays, derived from quaternary alluvial sediments. The objective of the work was the physical, chemical and mechanical characterizations of the “tágua” clay, explored by a ceramic industry in Monte Carmelo, through the collection of four representative samples of the mine front. The samples were subjected to particle size tests, residue characterization, moisture content, chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence, plasticity limit determination, differential thermal analysis and dilatometric analysis; the specimens were subjected to the Bigot curve, green shrinkage, drying shrinkage and dry mechanical strength and specimens burned at 850°C and 950°C, were subjected to burning shrinkage tests, total shrinkage, fire loss, absorption tests of water, apparent porosity, burn color and burnt mechanical resistance. The results allowed us to relate the textural and chemical classifications with the plastic behavior and the resistance to rupture, showing the importance of the characterization of raw materials in increasing the quality of the products, associated with the implementation of methodologies for monitoring the mine and the technological innovations in the stages of the production process.The composition formulation is best used when laboratory practices are applied, seeking to adapt to the industrial reality for better comparison with the mass of the ceramic product. The project methodology consisted of using a clay located in the surroundings of the city of Monte Carmelo-MG.