Effect of Afyon diatomite addition on the properties of fired clay brick

The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of diatomite addition on the properties of fired clay brick. Diatomite and clay were taken from the province of Afyon, Turkey. Diatomite was added into the brick clay up to 60 % by weight.. Six different mixtures of unperforated cubic test samples (dimensions of 10x 10 x 10 cm) were produced by an extrusion process. The samples were fired at 900 degrees C. Thermal insulation properties of the fired samples were significantly improved by the diatomite addition. Compressive strength and apparent porosity were increased by increasing the diatomite addition. It was concluded that, reactive amorphous silicate layer over the individual diatomite particles enhance the sintering action locally and gives better strength behaviour.