Characterization of serbian raw clay materials based on >0.63 mm sieve residues

Abstract

Particle size is the effective diameter of a particle as measured by sedimentation, sieving, or micrometric methods. Particle sizes are expressed as classes with specific, effective diameter class limits. The main classes are clay ( lt 2 μm), silt (2-20 μm) dust fragments, and sand (>20 #). The physical behaviour of a soil is influenced by the size and percentage composition of the size classes. Particle size is important for most soil interpretations, for the determination of soil hydrologic qualities, and for soil classification. The physical properties of soil are influenced by its total sand content and the percentage amounts of the individual sand fractions occurring in it. Due to their size, sand particles have a direct impact on the porosity of the clay. This influences other properties, such as saturated hydraulic conductivity, available water capacity, water intake rates, aeration, and compressibility related to plant growth and engineering uses. Soil properties and application depend on many factors such as: raw clay row, mineralogical constitution, quantity and category of accessory minerals, purity and chemical composition, as well as physical and thermal properties. The aim of this study is to determine the mineral and chemical composition of 0.063 mm sieve residues at a few localities in Serbia. Depending on the quality, clay is used as a raw material in the brick or ceramic industry. The sand content is measured in the laboratory by the wet sieving method. The mineralogical composition of the samples is determined using optical and XRF methods. Certain fragments are examined more deeply by the methods used. The results obtained enabled raw clay samples from 4 different locations in Serbia to be characterized as the basis for a more detailed and profound soil evaluation.