Evaluation and application of Moroccan clay materials in ceramic tiles: Composition and technological behavior
Youssef Arkame,
Achraf Harrati,
Ayoub Imgirne,
Aboubakar Moustapha,
Yassine Et-Tayea,
Imane Yamari,
Ali Sdiri,
Abdeslam El Bouari,
Chaouki Sadik
Affiliations
Youssef Arkame
Laboratory of Physical-Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis (LCPMC), Geomaterials and Materials for Energy Team, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, 7955, Morocco; Corresponding author.
Achraf Harrati
Laboratory of Physical-Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis (LCPMC), Geomaterials and Materials for Energy Team, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, 7955, Morocco
Ayoub Imgirne
Laboratory of Physical-Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis (LCPMC), Geomaterials and Materials for Energy Team, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, 7955, Morocco
Aboubakar Moustapha
Laboratory of Physical-Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis (LCPMC), Geomaterials and Materials for Energy Team, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, 7955, Morocco
Yassine Et-Tayea
Laboratory Physico-chemistry of Processes and Materials (PCPM), Research Team: Geology of Mining and Energy Resources (GRME), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, Hassan First University of Settat, Settat, 26002, Morocco
Imane Yamari
Laboratory of Analytical and Molecular Chemistry (LCAM), Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, 7955, Morocco
Ali Sdiri
Department of Georessources and Environment, National Engineering School, University of Sfax, P. Box 3038-1173, Sfax, Tunisia
Abdeslam El Bouari
Laboratory of Physical-Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis (LCPMC), Geomaterials and Materials for Energy Team, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, 7955, Morocco
Chaouki Sadik
Laboratory of Physical-Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis (LCPMC), Geomaterials and Materials for Energy Team, Faculty of Sciences Ben M’Sik, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, 7955, Morocco
This paper aims to assess the suitability of various Moroccan clay materials for application in ceramic tile production. Six clay samples (S1–S6) sourced from cities including Fez-Meknes, Safi, Berrechid, and Benslimane were collected and subjected to comprehensive characterization to elucidate their chemical and mineralogical composition, as well as their morphological and thermal behavior. The impact of sintering temperatures ranging from 900 to 1100 °C on parameters such as bulk density, porosity, water absorption, shrinkage, flexural strength, and chemical resistance was investigated. Results revealed elevated levels of Fe2O3 (>3 %), indicative of dark firing clays across all samples. Additionally, the samples exhibited a composition comprising clay minerals, quartz, feldspars, and carbonates. Based on the findings, it was determined that these clay materials are suitable for the production of cottoforte and majolica falling within the BIIb and BIII ceramic classes (ISO 13006). The study underscores the potential of these materials for utilization in industrial ceramic products, given their demonstrated characteristics.
