Physical Properties of Porous Clay Ceramic-Ware

Abstract

The focus of this study is on the physical properties of clay ceramic materials compatible for drinking water filtration. A multiparameter lognormal multivariate regression approach is proposed for assessing the combined effects of quantity of compositional constituent of raw materials used in ceramic manufacture on toughness. The approach was validated for two specimen types (T- and S-specimens) derived from a circular base of the frustum shaped, porous clay ceramic ware (PCCW). The PCCW were manufactured from clay and sieved sawdust mixed at distinct volume fractions. The variation of the porosity and density of the PCCW was studied with respect to the amounts of sawdust and clay used in the manufacturing. The research helped to clearly define the roles of clay and sawdust quantities for strength development in both T- and S-specimen. A generalized experimental approach is proposed for estimation of mechanical properties of clay ceramics as a function of the material constituent fractions. A polynomial relationship was developed between the compressive strength and density of the PCCW material. The statistical model expressions developed herein may be used for the prediction of material and mechanical properties of similar materials, including natural and engineered materials.

Household Production of Ceramic Water Filters in Western Rajasthan, India

“…The local potters fired the dried green ware at the same temperature as they used to traditionally fire pure clay flower vases. These temperatures are similar to those set in factory mode sintering 17,50 . Locally available cow dung cakes, organic waste (dried twigs or leaves), waste wood, and sawdust are used as fuel for the furnace 31 .…”

“…The samples were tested for compression on a Universal Material Testing Machine (Model EZ-50, Lloyd Instruments, Germany). It should be noted that inherent cracks or inhomogeneity in the porous clay ceramics increase during compression resulting in powder formation 48,55,56 . The applied compressive loads overcome the strong chemical bonding between the sintered material particles to form these powders 57 .…”

“…The specimens for the strength tests were prepared from the circular base of the eleven randomly selected sintered G filters. A static axial load at a rate of 0.1 Ns -1 is applied to the 35 mm long sample with a cross section of 15 mm × 15-mm 17,50 . The samples were tested for compression on a Universal Material Testing Machine (Model EZ-50, Lloyd Instruments, Germany).…”

“…The compressive tests were performed according to the ASTM 1358 standards 17 . Propagation of cracks in ceramics during compressive loads is parallel to axis of applied compressive load 55 .…”

“…During emergencies like tsunami and floods in Sri Lanka and Dominican Republic, such clay ceramic filters were used for ensuring drinkability of water 16 . These filters had a frustum shape with a height of 26 cm and a base diameter of 20 cm 17 . This frustum shaped 10-15 liter capacity water filter is sufficient for drinking water requirements of a nuclear families 18,19 .…”