Thermal Analysis and Mechanical Properties of Brick Clays

Thermogravimetry, differential themal analysis, 3-point bending, water absorption and frost resistance were examined on five brick clays collected from central Greece in order to assess their ceramic potential and mechanical properties. Endothermic peaks show that the main reactions during thermal analysis dehydrations, decompositions and volatilizations. Water absorptivity varied between 12.5 and 34.4 % and the Modulus of Rupture varied between 5,46 and 9.12 Mpa, depending on the clay type the solid brick samples were made of Resistance to frost was found to be inversely proportional to water absorptivity, and the weight loss after exposure to frost of the solid brick samples varied between 15 and 40%.