Sintering behaviour, microstructure and mechanical properties of low quartz content vitrified ceramics using volcanic ash

A complete investigation on the sintering behaviour, involving ceramic transformation, of volcanic ash is reported. Sintering and softening points, vitrification and fusion of finely ground powders of volcanic ash were obtained by hot stage microscope observation. Then, a suitable thermal cycle, which matches the better microstructure and mechanical properties, has been performed. The low quartz content of the final product, the relative high density together with the particular structural complexity of the matrix consequence of the interlocking of various crystalline phases conferred to fired volcanic ash relevant ceramic characteristics. Nucleation and microcrystallisation of pyroxene together with oxidation and cation enrichment are indicated as the main sintering mechanism of fired volcanic ash. Differently from conventional vitrified ceramics, i.e. quartz and mullite in vitreous matrix, the microstructure of the fired products presents spinel, anorthite, diopside, enstatite, pyroferrite, fayalite and hedenbergite crystals embedded in the high viscous liquid phase resulting in dense and resistant materials.