Strength improvements in clay-based ceramic reinforced with discontinuous basalt fiber

Gregory P. Kutyla, Patrick F. Keane, Waltraud M. Kriven, Thomas A. Carlson, Charles P. Marsh

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Clay-based ceramics are used in a wide variety of applications and could benefit from the addition of a reinforcing fiber. Basalt fibers are similar to glass fibers in regards to their relatively high strength and low cost, but they have an additional advantage of improved refractory properties. The clay used was based on a powder mixture of (by weight) 45% Kentucky ball clay, 40% talc, and 15% Georgia kaolin. This powder was mixed with 28% of its own weight of 0.1 M sodium carbonate solution (for formability) and up to 20% (cumulative weight) of discontinuous basalt fibers. The basalt fibers used had a 14 Πam diameter and were either chopped (6 mm long) or milled (~150 Πam long). The samples were hand-formed into 1x1x10 cm bars using plastic molds. Bars were fired to temperatures ranging from 850 to 1250 °C for 2 hours. The addition of the chopped basalt caused warping after firing, and so was not studied further. It was concluded that chopped fibers should only be used if their orientation can be controlled. The addition of milled basalt fibers improved strength at all temperatures (up to about 40% higher strength) except for the 1250 °C firing where the basalt-reinforced samples melted. After firing to 1050 °C, there was a clear distinction between fiber and matrix when viewed with electron microscopy/spectroscopy, but this was not seen for the 1150 °C fired samples. This work demonstrates that milled basalt fibers may be used as a cost-effective reinforcement for clay-based ceramics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMechanical Properties and Performance of Engineering Ceramics and Composites XI
Subtitle of host publicationCeramic Engineering and Science Proceedings Volume 37, Issue 2
EditorsJonathan Salem, Dileep Singh, Manabu Fukushima, Andrew Gyekenyesi
PublisherAmerican Ceramic Society
Pages227-233
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781119320104
ISBN (Print)9781119320135
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2017
EventMechanical Properties and Performance of Engineering Ceramics and Composites XI - 40th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, ICACC 2016 - Daytona Beach, United States
Duration: Jan 24 2016Jan 29 2016

Publication series

NameCeramic Engineering and Science Proceedings
Number2
Volume37
ISSN (Print)0196-6219

Other

OtherMechanical Properties and Performance of Engineering Ceramics and Composites XI - 40th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites, ICACC 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDaytona Beach
Period1/24/161/29/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Materials Chemistry

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