Study of Mineralogy, Chemical Composition and Physical Properties of Clays from L°Cal Pottery Areas Rongang Community Pattani Province

Abstract

Mineralogical, chemical composition and ceramic properties of clay from l°Cal pottery area in Rongang community Pattani Province were studied to assess their potential for use. The majority of clay was quartz with slightly kaolinite and illite. High SiO2 content (47.68-58.36%), Al2O3 (24.11-26.94%), Fe2O3 (2.35-3.18%) and TiO2 (1.32-1.46%) was determined. Large amount of clay (61.94%) with the size less than 45 µm were passed sieve number of 325 mesh as the fine particles resulting to increase the clay toughness. It was found that weight was rapidly decreased in the temperature range of 700-900 °C, the weight decreases slightly due to the loss of water and organic matter. Testing of clay after fired at temperatures of 700-900 °C was found that the linear shrinkage were 5.10-7.95%. Densities were 1.69-1.71 g/cm3. Flexural strength of colcined somples were 1.42-3.88 MPa. Clay from Rongang community can use as raw materials l°Cal pottery with a high Al2O3 content suitable for refractory products. The product was slightly shrinkage after the temperature of 900 ° C with non-deformation or distortion however, there were disadvantages with large quartz particles size higher than 300 µm resulting in rough texture, high porosity and less strength. Therefore, the quality of soil was improved, their properties will be also improved.