This article reflects the results of a set of studies on obtaining a face ceramic brick of soft molding with the search for raw materials and the development of an optimal production technology. It proposed and formulated the basic requirements for opoka-like rocks for the production of various types of wall ceramic products. They include recommendations on the chemical composition and such physical, mechanical and technological properties as density in the piece, natural humidity, porosity, mineral composition, compressive strength of the baked samples, fire shrinkage, water absorption, average density, etc. We proposed the so-called "soft molding" as a production technology. It is based on the principle of filling individual forms with a ceramic mass that has a certain plasticity and binding capacity. The appearance of such a brick is characterized by the absence of smooth edges and sides and rounded corners. The sand used for spilling forms produces a special effect of velvety and old-looking brick. The conclusions based on the results of laboratory and technological research as well as factory tests revealed the great promise for using opoka-like rocks as a raw material for the production of face ceramic bricks of soft molding.

This work presents the results of the laboratory research on the impact of grain size composition of raw mixtures on properties of heat processed products when implementing the compression molding method. We have analyzed opokas of several fields: Zhuravksy, Shevchenkovsky and Bekeshevsky. Grain size composition of ground materials was characterized by a greater grain size of 0,315; 0,63; 1,25 and 2,5 mm. The link between degree of grinding and caking index, water absorption, mean density, compression and bending resistance was established. The conclusions based on the research results revealed the impact of grain size composition on properties of ceramic products and application potential of opokas as a feedstock in the ceramics industry.