Effect of Sintering Temperature on Properties of Setiu Clay Sediments
The effect of sintering temperature on physical properties of Setiu clay sediment was studied. The ceramic samples were prepared via slip casting method, and sintered at different temperatures ranging from 900 to 1100°C, with 2 hours soaking time. Morphologies of ceramic samples were characterized using Tabletop Microscope. Shrinkage was determined from measurement of samples before and after sintering process. A good ceramic sample without warping or cracks obtained after casting process and after sintered at different temperatures. The results show that sintering temperatures greatly influence morphology of samples. As sintering temperature increased the grain boundaries between particles become smoother and compacted while pores shrunk due to the densification behavior. A considerable increased in shrinkage from 5 to 20% were observed with increasing temperature from 900 to 1100°C. As conclusion, Setiu clay sediment are suitable for production ceramic products and 1000°C can be consider the best sintering temperature in terms of quality of products and production costs.