DefinePK

Abstract

The influence of brown coal and coal production waste on the bloating of bentonite clay was experimentally investigated for the purpose of optimizing the heat-insulation properties of fire-resistant expanded-clay granulates. The bloating coefficients and bulk densities of the expanded-clay granulate samples with additives showed clear dependence on firing temperature. Coal production waste and brown coal were both found to be suitable as intensifiers of beneficial bloating in bentonite clays of the Kyngrak-Keles deposit, Kazakhstan. In both cases, expanded-clay granulates with high heat-insulation effect and low bulk density was produced. X-ray diffractometry, electron microscopy, and differential thermal analysis helped reveal the bulk chemical and elemental compositions of the additives. This study establishes a quantitative compositional basis for heat-insulation granulate performance, opening up economical pathways to enhancing the energy efficiency of buildings and structures while increasing fire safety, environmental friendliness, and resistance to a range of climatic conditions.