Impact of Firing Temperature on Energy Efficiency, Durability, and Performance in Clay Brick Manufacturing with Diverse Clay Types

The firing process, known for its substantial energy demands, holds a pivotal role in shaping the production cost of clay bricks, a widely employed conventional construction material on a global scale. The physical attributes of fired clay bricks, encompassing porosity, shrinkage, density, loss on ignition, and thermal conductivity, stand as pivotal factors influencing their performance and longevity. This study delves into the nuanced exploration of the impact of firing temperature on the physical properties of clay bricks derived from four distinct clay types. The selection of these clay types is rooted in their diverse mineral compositions, poised to influence their respective physical characteristics. Through manual formation and subsequent firing at temperatures ranging from 850 to 1050 °C in 100 °C increments, the study meticulously evaluates the effects of firing temperature on key properties such as loss on ignition, shrinkage, and thermal conductivity. The findings underscore the inherent variability in the physical characteristics of each clay type, substantiating their influence on the behavior of the resulting burnt bricks.