Characterization and traditional ceramic application of clays from the Douiret region in South Tunisia

摘要: Abstract This study of the Aptian clays Douiret (south-east Tunisia) and their use in ceramic industry is original. At first, mineralogical, chemical, physical thermal analyses these are given. In terms mineralogy, they can be considered as illitic (50–67%). However, other clay minerals, such kaolinite, I/Sm mixed-layer, quartz, feldspar, dolomite hematite, present small quantities. Next, this reveals that average amounts silica potassium 53.9% 3.3% respectively. The amount alumina iron oxide, with an 16.8% 6.3% respectively, variable. plasticity test shows a high value (PI = 39–56%). mineralogical changes during firing process were recorded via X-ray diffraction raw subsequent at 300, 700, 800, 900 1150 °C for 3 h heating rate 10 °C/min. main transformations observed 900 °C appearance new crystalline phases especially mullite, anortite spinel. Technical tests show properties fall within International Standards (ISO). Finally, tiles bricks prepared from have suitable characteristics without defects classified group BIII according to European Standard NF EN 159 (1991).