Investigation of the effect of chemical activation of masses in the production of ash and slag wall ceramics

Data on changes in the physico-mechanical properties of wall ceramics, depending on the composition of the charge: density, strength, and water absorption, have been obtained. Based on the research results, an optimal composition has been developed using ash and slag waste in a composition with alumosilicate clay raw materials – loams from the Buguruslan deposit. The effect of silica gel on changes in the structure and physico-mechanical properties of wall ceramics of the «loam – ASW» type is presented. It was found that the use of ash and slag waste in the amount of 35% makes it possible to obtain ceramic bricks with a brand strength of at least M150, with the addition of 8 % silica gel. The paper also presents the results of experimental studies to identify optimal drying modes for ceramic raw materials. The most common causes of crack formation during drying are considered, as well as measures to increase the crack resistance of manufactured products using high-quality materials. The effect of the drying time on the firing properties of products with an ash and slag waste content of 35 % by weight, depending on the drying temperature, was revealed. The dependence of the shrinkage value on the moisture level of the ceramic raw material is determined. The developed approaches will make it possible to determine the optimal technological parameters for drying ceramic raw materials based on low-melting loams and ash-containing man-made waste molded by semi-dry pressing.