Determination of the potential raw materials of the non-arable areas of the Adiyaman province for use in brick-ceramic production

The suitability of the soil/clay raw materials from non-arable areas in the Adıyaman Region for brick-tile-ceramic production were determined in this study. Thus, physical, chemical, mineralogical and sub-microscopic analyses were conducted on soil/clay samples of 13 different raw material sites (Adıyaman-Centre, Besni, Kahta and Samsat regions) determined by remote sensing and geographical information systems. Bricks prepared from the raw material samples were produced by traditional and contemporary techniques and compliance with standards were determined via technological experiments.The analyses revealed high clay contents in the raw materials of Rzp and Çmgz and high lime contents in Smst-1. pH was at optimal levels in most samples except Bsn-1 and Ekosan raw materials. The EC values were within acceptable limits apart from Bsn-1 and Ekosan. The low amounts of organic matter were in line with the TSE standards. The dominant primary mineral was calcite and smectite was the dominant clay mineral in all samples. The common high temperature minerals for samples furnaced at 900°C were diopside and, gehlenite, and akermanite, diopside and bredigite were the high temperature minerals for the test tablets furnaced at 1040°C. The scanning electron microcopy analyses revealed an advanced sintering at 1040°C at Hsnck-1 and Kht-1 samples, and low at 900°C. Common high plasticity was determined with minor differences based on clay mineral types and contents of the raw materials. Apart from Bsn-1, Bsn-2, Bsn-3, Smst-1 and Smst-2 samples, all other samples, and particularly Rzp, exhibit suitable limits for their water absorption, compressive strength and shrinkage potential for brick and tile production.Ultimately, the suitability of the soil/clay raw materials in non-arable areas of the Adıyaman Region for use in the ceramic, brick and tile industry with appropriate mixtures were manifested.Key words: Clays, brick, Adıyaman, ceramic technology, non-arable areas