UTILIZATION OF BASALT FIBERS AS A RAW MATERIAL FOR CLAY CERAMIC PRODUCTION

This research aimed to investigate the possibility of utilization basalt fibers as a raw material for ceramic production. Both quartz and feldspar were replaced partially or entirely by basalt fiber in the range of 10 -25 wt. %. The mixture of ceramic powders and basalt fibers were uniaxially pressed and sintered at temperatures between 1000 and 1200C for 1 h. The substitution of basalt fibers in ceramic compositions demonstrated the positive effect on the physical and mechanical properties. The addition of basalt fibers in an appropriate amount enhanced the densification and reduced sintering temperature of clay-based ceramics (CB-0) from 1200 to 1150C. The highest density and strength were 2.40 gcm -3 and 116 MPa, respectively, when replacing feldspar and quartz with basalt up to 20 wt. % (CB-20) and sintering at 1150C.