Effect of Karangnunggal bentonite addition on the mechanical strength of conventional ceramics

Abstract

Bentonite can be used as an additive in ceramics production. It can increase the thermal resistance and flexural strength of ceramics. Indonesia has a large amount of bentonite deposit. One of them is located in Karangnunggal, Tasikmalaya. The aim of this research is to study the effect of bentonite to increase the flexural strength of ceramic. The raw materials consisting of kaolin, feldspar, and quartz were used as raw materials in ceramics production. The weight percents of kaolin and quartz were fixed at 55 % and 20 %, whereas weight percents of feldspar and bentonite were varied at 25 %, 20 %, 15 %, 10 % and 0,5 %, 10 %, 15 %. The firing temperature was kept at 1,200 °C. Result of the experiment shows that the best composition to achieve the highest dry flexural strength at 254.70 kg/cm 2 is at 55 % kaolin, 20 % quartz, 15 % feldspar, and 10 % bentonite.

Material characterization of pagerjurang clay as a raw material for pottery

“…The sodium bentonite contains more Na + ion than Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions. Potassium bentonite, which contains more potassium and magnesium (in the form of K2O and MgO, respectively) absorbs less water so that it does not form a suspension [5]. Expand bentonite in the water increases its viscosity.…”

“…Expand bentonite in the water increases its viscosity. Potassium bentonite, which contains more potassium and magnesium (in the form of K2O and MgO, respectively) absorbs less water so that it does not form a suspension [5].…”