In the present study, andesite basalt originated from the deposit site ?Donje
Jarinje?, Serbia, was examined as a potential raw material for high-density
ceramics production. The production of high-density ceramics included dry
milling, homogenization, cold isostatic pressing and sintering in the air.
To determine the optimal processing parameters the sintering was conducted
at 1040, 1050, 1060, 1070 and 1080?C, and afterwards the sintering duration
was varied from 30 to 240min at the optimal sintering temperature of 1060?C. Characterization of the starting and sintered materials included the
estimation of particle size distribution, density, hardness and fracture
toughness complemented with X-ray diffraction, optical light microscopy,
scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis.
Phase transformations did not occur during processing in the investigated
temperature range from 1040 to 1080?C. The obtained research results showed
that 99.5% of relative density and the highest hardness and fracture
toughness values of 6.7GPa and 2.2MPa?m1/2, respectively, were achieved for
the andesite basalt sintered at 1060?C for 60min in the air. The results of
the present study confirmed that the sintered andesite basalt can be used as
a high-density ceramic material for various industrial applications.