The Effect of the Hydrothermal Treatment Method on Operational Characteristics of Silicate Materials Based on Clay and Volcanic Ash
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The research presents results on the use of Debub deposit loam and volcanic ash in the production of silicate materials under autoclaved and non-autoclaved conditions. For autoclaved conditions, an optimal mixture achieved a compressive strength of 22.75 MPa, an average density of 1955 kg/m3, and water absorption of 6.31 % with a composition of 10 wt.% loam, 25 wt.% volcanic ash, and a mixture activity of 6%. The non-autoclaved method yielded a compressive strength of 20.14 MPa with 40 wt. % loam, 25 wt.% volcanic ash, and a mixture activity of 6%. The corresponding average density, water absorption, and softening coefficient for the non-autoclaved samples were 1926 kg/m3, 8.58%, and 0.91, respectively. While the strength indicators for non-autoclaved samples are slightly lower than those produced by the autoclaved method, they remain within the recommended values for silicate products. It has been established that rock-forming loam minerals and volcanic ash actively interact with lime during hydrothermal treatment, both during autoclaving and steaming, forming fine- and coarse-crystalline new formations that provide high strength to silicate materials. In the State of Eritrea, where cost and environmental impact are paramount, autoclave and, especially, non-autoclave technology represents an optimal solution for the production of building materials.
Authors: K. Ghebremedhin, A. Volodchenko, N. Shapovalov
Institution: Belgorod State Technological University
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7125815009