A kaolinitic clay from Yantai (China): Improvement of properties and microstructure

The properties and microstructure of a kaolinitic clay were improved by sintering at 1085-1095 °C with addition of cinder powder and calcium sulfate. Both sintering temperature and the additive content have great effect on the properties and microstructure of the clay. The clay sintered with 15-20 wt% additive at 1085-1095 °C possesses a high open porosity of 34.2-38.1%, flexural strength of 10.8-14.8 MPa, low volume shrinkage of 2.4-6.2%, tailored microstructure and well-connected open pores, which is considered suitable for manufacturing irrigation pitchers and units for water seepage and filtration.