Structural and fluid dynamic characterization of calcium carbonate-based porous ceramics

The aim of this work was to experimentally evaluate the use of calcium carbonate as a pore-generating agent in ceramic compositions. Compositions that contained 50% kaolin, 20% limestone, and different concentrations of quartz and feldspar were prepared by uniaxial pressing. Samples were heat-treated at a heating rate appropriate to induce calcium carbonate degassing, and they were then sintered at 800, 900, and 1050 °C. Tests of X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, porosimetry, and air permeation were performed. The composition (wt%) that contained 50% kaolin, 20% limestone, 20% feldspar, and 10% quartz and heat treated at 1050 °C (