Production of low-density ceramics using pumice stone

Pumice stone is a porous silicate mineral of volcanic origin. Pumice offers some unique characteristics such as low cost, strength, and occurrence in various compositions and colors. Its 3 most attractive property for many applications is its low density, which can be as low as 0.4 g/cm(3). The most of the pumice produced today is consumed by construction industries, while smaller amounts are used in several other areas varying from production of cleansers, polishes and chemicals to soil remediation. Its chemical composition, when combined with other properties like low cost and low density, makes it a good candidate as a potential raw material in the production special ceramics. For example, partial sintering of the mineral gains will reduce the density of products due to the porous structure still remaining inside. Although this porous structure will reduce the strength to some extent, it will result in a ceramic product with some attractive properties such as low density and low conductivity for heath and sound. This presentation covers an experimental investigation to produce low-density ceramic products using pumice as the main raw material. The studied parameters include the effects of the composition, grain size, temperature, degree of sintering, and types and ratios of binders on the properties of products.