The development of indonesian local clay as a lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) for organic growing medium

Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), a clay-based lightweight aggregate expanding after burning at high temperatures, is among the promising material since it can be used as construction materials for buildings and roads, geotechnical fillings, hydroponic growing medium, humidity control, wall damper, heat insulation, water treatment, others. However, potential of clay from various places in Indonesia LECA an organic planting medium still not explored considerably. In this paper, local clays were studied to obtain suitable single raw production. originated Purwakarta, Sukabumi, Klaten Boyolali. The preliminary selection was evaluated based on XRD XRF test results. analysis showed that Boyolali shale bentonite most fitted Both synthesized into through firing process 1100°C 1200°C. Furthermore, product characterized by its bloating coefficient absorption. best results obtained with 4.63 or referred type 14.63%