Densification behaviour of petroleum waste bearing clay-based ceramic bodies

Processing of petroleum waste bearing clay-based ceramic bodies for application in structural ceramic products is described. Oily wastes are produced from oil rigs during the liquid/solid impurities separation step. The waste was added in gradual proportions to a kaolinitic clay from zero up to 20 wt.%, in order to study its effect on the densification behaviour of the fired samples (linear shrinkage, water absorption and apparent density). Ultimate compressive strength has been also assessed. The samples were unidirectional dry pressed in a cylindrical steel die and fired at temperatures ranging from 750 to 1100 °C. XRD and SEM were used to identify the present phases and degree of densification. The results revealed that the petroleum waste added was responsible for the inclusion of barite and quartz particles to the clay powder. The densification behavior was found to be influenced by the petroleum waste added. Significant morphological changes and phase transformations occurred during sintering.