Enhancing Egyptian Kaolin Properties through Additive Engineering: Insights from Poly(vinyl alcohol), Silica Nanoparticles, and Activated Carbon

Barakat, Nasser A M.; Eltohamy, Neama; Elhawam, Wesam; Abdelrazek, Kasem R. M.

doi:10.21608/jaet.2024.282131.1277

Enhancing Egyptian Kaolin Properties through Additive Engineering: Insights from Poly(vinyl alcohol), Silica Nanoparticles, and Activated Carbon

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Chemical Engineering Dep., Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

² Dep. of Holographic Expression, Faculty of Art Education, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

³ Dep. of Holographic Expression, Faculty of Art Education, Helwan University, Giza, Egypt

10.21608/jaet.2024.282131.1277

Abstract

This study investigates the efficacy of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), silica nanoparticles (SiO2), and activated carbon (AC) as additives for enhancing ceramic characteristics of the Egyptian kaolin. Through rigorous characterization, including plasticity, compression strength, water absorption, and porosity analysis, the impact of these additives on Egyptian kaolin performance is assessed. Poly(vinyl alcohol) was dissolved in the used water to form kaolin mud, while the additives were added to the polymer aqueous solution before adding the clay powder. Results reveal notable improvements in key mechanical parameters with the incorporation of PVA, wherein plasticity increased by up to 22.8% and compression strength reached 2.47 MPa. SiO2 nanoparticles contribute to enhanced densification and reduced porosity, with a significant decrease observed in water absorption. Furthermore, the addition of activated carbon enhances the mechanical properties, contributing to improved mechanical integrity. Interestingly, it was found that addition the proposed materials leads to maintain the density throughout the sintering process as it was observed that trivial change in the apparent density between the samples sintered at 900 and 1050 oC. This finding strongly supports exploiting this kaolin as refractory ceramics in ovens and kilns. Overall, this study underscores the versatility of PVA, SiO2, and AC as effective additives for tailoring the properties of ceramic materials, offering promising avenues for applications in diverse industrial sectors.

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