Author(s): HHM Darweesh

Abstract: Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) which is an industrial waste was partially substituted at the expense of feldspar (F) to produce ceramic porcelain insulators. Raw materials were characterized for their chemical composition and thermal behavior. Porcelain insulator batches containing various proportions of SCBA (0-35 wt.) were fired at different firing temperatures of 1050, 1100, 1150, 1200, 1250 and 1300 °C for two hours soaking. The fired units were conducted for water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, bending strength, crushing strength, dry and firing shrinkages. Results showed that SCBA had a lower 68.19% SiO2 content (68.19%) than feldspar (74.22%), but feldspar had a lower alkali content (7.24%) than SCBA (7.82 wt%). Water absorption was decreased with increasing both SCBA content and firing temperatures. Water absorption values are too small, and this was confirmed by the results of apparent porosity. This in turn was reflected positively on the bulk density and mechaanical properties. Dry shrinkage was unchanged, wlile firing shrinkage was slightly increased with both SCBA and firing temperatures. Furthermore, the partial replacement of F by SCBA up to 35 w% achieved the better results comparing with those of the control batch. The optimum firing temperature and SCBA content are 300 ºC and 35%, respectively.

Pages: 11-20 | Views: 354 | Downloads: 145

Download Full Article: Click Here