Assessment of the mineral phase and properties of clay-Ca bentonite lightweight aggregates

Abstract This study deals with improving the properties of lightweight aggregate by addition Ca-bentonite mineral to expandable clays. The bentonite can result in advanced materials which meet international standards. Besides material, twelve different clays (from Egyptian and Hungarian mines) were studied X-ray fluorescence (XRF), powder diffraction (XRD, Rietveld method), a heating microscope (HM). Aggregates produced their physical mechanical measured. structure chemical composition clay-Ca aggregates scanning electron (SEM) energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX). results showed that 10 wt% reduce bulk density up 20%, increase compressive strength 180%, height expansion 68% some samples. It was found high kaolinite content clay samples not beneficial for expanding decreasing aggregates. According method from XRD statistical correlation model shown, amorphous contents have reciprocal relationship direct expansion. Bentonite, as natural additive, clays, suitable producing far better properties, well more economical means production.