Objective: In this experiment we were introduced with the method of making a traditional

ceramic (brick) with varying composition. We also measured different properties of the ceramic
and learned how the properties vary with varying composition.

Introduction: Clay brick has been found in the ruins of ancient civilizations including parts of the
Great Wall of China. Properties of bricks are affected as a result of physical, chemical and
mineralogical changes. Compressive strength and water absorption are two major physical
properties of brick that are good predictors of brick's ability to resist cracking of face.
Compressive strength is highly affected by firing temperature, method of production, physical,
chemical and mineralogical properties of the raw material. Water absorption is a measure of
available pore space and is expressed as a percentage of the dry brick weight. It is affected by
properties of clay, method of manufacturing and degree of firing. Water absorption capacity of
the brick affects the surface finishing of the brick-laid wall. The purpose of this study is to
investigate the effect of composition on compressive strength, weight loss, firing shrinkage,
porosities and densities of clay bricks.

Experimental Procedure:

1. First the components were mixed together. The components included clay, 5% fireclay,
2.5% mill scale and moisture.

2. The mixed mass was then dry pressed into a mould for making the brick block. Hammers
were used for the pressing purpose. A rectangular block was then separated from the
mould. The dimensions were taken.

3. The brick block was then kept for drying. The dimensions of the brick was then taken.

4. The block was then fired at 1000˚C for 4 hours. After drying the dimensions were taken
again. The difference between the dimensions indicated the shrinkage.

5. The sample was then analysed under microscope for microanalysis of its morphology.

6. Using the Universal Testing Machine the compressive strength of the brick was measured.
 7. Finally the actual and theoretical densities were measured. Pycnometer was used for
determining density.

Calculation:

Traditional bricks:
After drying:
Before Drying:
Weight=106.3gm
Weight=110 gm
Length= 7.44cm
Length= 7.7cm Width= 3.7cm

Width= 3.8cm Height= 1.67cm

Height= 1.7cm

After firing: Density:

Weight=95.08gm Weight= 95.08gm

Volume= 41.472 cm3
Length= 7.2cm
Apparent density= M/V=
Width= 3.6cm 95.08/41.472= 2.2926g/cm3

Height= 1.6cm

Porosity:

Weight of pycnometer bottom, W1=28.00gm

Weight of pycnometer+ powder, W2=30.82gm

Weight of pycnometer+ powder+ water, W3= 79.82gm

Weight of powder sample= W2-W1= 2.82gm

Weight of water=W3-W2

= 49gm

Volume of water= 49cm3

Volume of powder sample= 50-(W3-W2)

= 50-49

=1cm3

=V’

True density= (W2-W1)/V’

=2.82 g/cm3

True volume= (weight of the block / true density)

= 95.08/2.82

=33.72 cm3

Volume of porous= volume of brick – true volume

= (41.472- 33.72)

= 7.752cm3

Porosity= (7.752/41.472) *100

=18.69%

Crushing Strength: 147.5KN

Micrograph:

Macrograph:
Result:

% of % of
True
volume volume Apparent
Group Composition Density % of Crushing
shrinkage shrinkage density
No of the brick (g/cm3) porosity strength(MPa)
after after (gm/cm3)
drying Firing
1 Clay 8.14 11.99 2.01 4.265 46.18 48.55
Clay+ 5% fire
2 14.74 5.26 2.12 2.56 17.12 53.24
clay
Clay+ 10%
3 8.95 4.09 1.283 2.81 22.49 38.13
fireclay
Clay +10%
4 18.027 33.05 2.032 2.79 15.44 34.704
mill scale
Clay+ 5% fire
5 clay+2.5% 7.58 9.79 2.2962 2.82 18.69 56.91
mill scale

Discussion:

After firing, the color of the brick appeared red. This is because of the presence of iron oxide. The
surface showed irregularities and porosities. Due to improper moulding the surface wasn’t
smooth. There was an appreciable amount of shrinkage after drying and firing. Density of the
brick increases after firing. The surface showed some cracks. This appeared due to shrinkage. To
reduce this drying was to be done properly. Firing time was also not enough to get accurate data
of shrinkage and compressive strength.
Macrograph of the brick revealed a great number of pores. Porosities result from loss of moisture
and non-uniform size and shape of particles. Porosities increase the thermal insulating
properties. The presence of mill scale gave a less porous brick than that of a brick with clay and
fireclay.

Bricks have pretty good compressive strength. The presence of mill scale and lesser porosities
gave bricks with higher values of compressive strength.

Conclusion: Brick is a perfect example of a traditional ceramic. It can be manufactured easily. Its
composition determines its different physical properties. With proper raw materials and firing
techniques, bricks with desired properties can be manufactured.