Suitability of the Betic Cordillera marly materials for the manufacture of pressed tile

This paper assesses the aptness of Carbonero Formation (in the Spanish province of Jaén) marls for the manufacture of high added value ceramic construction materials. Lithologically speaking, the Carbonero Formation comprises three members: a) a marly lower member; b) a radiolaritic middle member; and c) a turbiditic upper member. The samples studied were rich in phyllosilicates (> 39%) and calcite. The quartz and feldspar contents were low (< 27%). The majority phyllosilicates were illite-smectite mixed layers (14-50%) and illite (32-74%). Kaolinite, chlorite and palygorskite were also detected. The highest CaO content was found in the marls in the lower and intermediate members (18-27%). The particle size distributions of ground marls were similar for the < 2 µm and 2-20 µm fractions. The > 20 µm fraction was absent. Due to their low plasticity, most Carbonero Formation marls can only be pressure moulded. Their high linear shrinkage and water absorption values when fired at 800 to 1 000 ºC make them poorly suited for use in the ceramic industry. Blends of these marls with different proportions of supplementary materials may be apt for manufacturing light shades of pressed ceramic tile.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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