Effect of adding sawdust on physical and mechanical properties in ceramic bricks

The effects of sawdust addition on the physical and mechanical properties were investigated in this study. Ball clay and kaolin clay were examined in sawdust at weight percentages of 0. 2, 5, 4, 8, and 10 wt.%. The specimens of ceramic bricks were fired at temperatures of 900 °C, 1000 °C, and 1100 °C, and their densities, apparent porosities, water absorption, phase and thermal properties and compressive strengths were evaluated. It was hypothesised that the composition of quartz, mullite, muscovite, and kaolinite in ceramic brick would enhance its properties. The FTIR analysis revealed that Si-O bonding, a silica compound formed within the ceramic brick, is thought to generate a network that imparts rigidity and strength to the ceramic matrix. The TGA revealed the thermal properties of ceramic brick and the weight loss of the specimens. As demonstrated by the experimental outcomes, sawdust decreases the specimen’s density and compressive strength. An observation was made regarding the apparent porosity, which showed a 40% increase when sawdust content was increased to 10 wt.% and fired at 900 °C. The ceramic brick containing 2.5% sawdust fired at 1100 °C exhibits a more excellent compressive strength value. Additionally, water absorption increased as the weight percent of sawdust added increased to 10 percent. The findings proved that sawdust waste could potentially be utilised in producing raw clay bricks as a lightweight ceramic brick and pore former.