Development of lightweight and thermally efficient clay bricks using expansion additives: effects of firing temperature and additive ratios on physicomechanical properties

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Bilgil A., ŞİMŞEK O., Sevim Ö., Demir İ.

Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society, vol.61, no.4, pp.1351-1363, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 61 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s41779-025-01170-7
  • Journal Name: Journal of the Australian Ceramic Society
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Communication Abstracts, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.1351-1363
  • Keywords: Energy-efficient materials, Expanding agent, Firing temperature, Lightweight clay bricks, Mechanical properties of bricks, Porous clay brick, Sustainable building materials, Thermal brick, Thermal conductivity
  • Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
  • Gazi University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Clay bricks are widely used in construction due to their sustainability and cost-effectiveness. However, challenges such as high density and thermal conductivity hinder their broader application in energy-efficient buildings. This study investigates the effects of an expansion additive and varying firing temperatures (1000–1150 °C) on the physicomechanical properties of lightweight clay bricks. Six sample groups were prepared, incorporating expansion additive ratios from 0 to 4%. Key properties, including unit volume weight, water absorption, porosity, compressive strength, and thermal conductivity, were evaluated. Results identified the optimal conditions as 3.5% expansion additive and a firing temperature of 1150 °C, yielding a unit weight of 712 kg/m³, thermal conductivity of 0.1795 W/mK, and compressive strength of 7.05 MPa. These findings demonstrate the potential of chemically modified lightweight bricks for sustainable, energy-efficient construction.