Direct ink writing technique, an extrusion based additive manufacturing
process, has been used to fabricate kaolinite clay based-ceramics with
several inexpensive ceramic powders: lime, fly ash and talc. All the above
materials are commonly used in the traditional ceramics industry, in both
small and large industries, and therefore available worldwide. This research
shows the simplicity of the process feasible not only for companies but also
for individual users. The samples were fabricated with water to clay ratios
(W/C) between 0.68 and 0.72. Additives were tested in 3.0, 5.0 and 7.0wt.%
with respect to the clay contents, although 3 wt.% of additives worked best.
Cylindrical samples were fabricated with 20mm in diameter and 20mm in height
in order to test their compressive strength and density. Measurement samples
were previously cured for three days at room temperature and then exposed to
1100?C for 1 h. The powdered additives and their corresponding mixtures
with clay were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray
fluorescence and X-ray diffraction techniques. Results showed that samples
with 0.70 W/C ratio and using fly ash as an additive were the best in terms
of workability, mechanical properties and surface finishing.
Technical Evaluation of Sustainable Cement Containing Fly Ash and Carbide Lime Sludge