This work has as its objective to evaluate the incorporation of stone fines in the microstructure and fired properties of a clayey ceramic. The evaluated properties were: linear shrinkage, water absorption and flexural strength. Compositions were prepared with 0 and 25 wt.% of stone fines to obtain specimens by extrusion that were fired at temperatures varying from 800 to 1200ºC. The microstructure of the fired ceramics was evaluated by optical microscopy. The results showed that the incorporation of stone fines is beneficial to the production of red ceramic by decreasing both the linear shrinkage and the water absorption, without much effect on the mechanical strength.
kaolinitic clay; stone fines; incorporation; red ceramic
