Effect of SiC Additions on Bloating in Clay from Toshka, Egypt

Expanded clay as a lightweight building material has received increased attention in Upper Egypt because of its hot climate. In this regard, this article studies the preparation of lightweight thermal insulating materials from clay collected in Toshka, Egypt. The addition of up to 3 mass-% silicon carbide changes Toshka clay into an effective bloated clay when it is fired at the optimum rate of 1200–1250°C, producing lightweight pellets with a density of less than 0.35 g/cm3. This work shows that it is possible to use waste from SiC abrasive tools as a foaming agent at the clay firing temperature of 1250°C.