This work has for objective to evaluate the incorporation of laterite up to 40 wt.% into a clay aiming at the fabrication of red ceramic. Initially, the laterite was submitted to mineralogical, chemical and physical characterization tests. Specimens were then prepared by uniaxial pressing at 20 MPa before firing at 700, 900 and 1100ºC in a laboratory furnace. The evaluated physical and mechanical properties of the fired ceramics were: linear shrinkage, water absorption and flexural strength. The plasticity of the compositions was evaluated by the Atterberg method. The results showed that the laterite contributed to enhance the workability of the clay. With respect to the fired properties, it was observed that, at 700 and 900ºC, the laterite decreased the water absorption and the linear shrinkage of the clay. On the other hand, the mechanical strength of the clay also was decreased. At 1100ºC, the laterite showed a significant deleterious effect on the evaluated properties of the clay. Finally, the results showed that the laterite has a potential for use as a component of a red ceramic body at temperatures around 700 and 900ºC.
Clay; red ceramic; incorporation; laterite
