Influence of sawdust particle size on fired clay brick properties

This study investigates the effect of adding different size fractions of the same pore forming agent (sawdust) on the material's compressive strength and heat transfer. The samples were dry pressed and fired at high temperature inside an oven. Phase transformations were evidenced by a combination of differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry and mass spectrometry (DTA-TGA-MS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques, in the temperature range of 24-900 degrees C. Image analysis (IA) and compression tests were performed to explain the mechanical behaviour of the samples. The thermal conductivity was obtained by using combined photopyroelectric calorimetry (PPE) and lock-in thermography (LIT) techniques. The pressing direction has an impact on the distribution of pores and the heat transfer by conduction.