Potentiality of clay raw materials extracted from the municipality of Russas, CE: chemical, thermal and technological analysis

The red ceramic industry drives the economy of the Lower Jaguaribe region in Ceará, especially the Russas Red Ceramic Local Production Arrangement. Abundant raw materials, low costs, and large production capacity characterize this industry. This study examines the clay materials used in the local ceramics, assessing their properties and processing conditions to confirm their potential in the ceramic industry. Chemical, thermal, and technological characteristics were investigated using various techniques, including energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The obtained data indicate high levels of silica, alumina, and iron oxide, which give the red color, along with fluxing oxides, which tend to reduce refractoriness. The results support the suitability of these materials for ceramic products, particularly those subjected to the extrusion process, with industrial applications aimed at tiles and bricks.

Keywords
Red pottery; Russas red ceramics APL; Clay