Scope:

The chemical examination of clays by ASTM C323 holds enormous significance as the data obtained significantly impacts the technological characterization of the ceramic clays. It provides information on plasticity, drying and firing shrinkage, mechanical resistance, and forming capacity of the given clay sample. ASTM C323 can determine all the elements present in the clay sample.

Test Procedure:

In ASTM C323, the moisture content of the sample is measured. The model is then heated to a specific temperature, and the loss in weight is referred to as the amount of water. About 0.25 g of alumina is added as aluminum chloride to determine the silica blank. FTIR Spectroscopy is used to determine the individual elements found in the given clay sample. The sample is taken on a crystal and placed on the Spectrometer. The Spectrometer is adjusted to the position of the sample. Light falls on the sample from an infrared source of light. The amount of light absorbed provides information about the elements present in the sample. The absorbance and reflectance are carefully monitored from the computer program attached to the Spectrometer

Specimen Size : 

For ASTM C323, the specimen size varies depending on whether the specimen is a solid, liquid, or powder, but it is mainly taken in grams or milligrams.

Data:

Absorbance (A) is measured from the data interpreted from the absorbance peaks obtained. Moisture is measured in g/m³ for ASTM C323 testing.

Conclusion:

ASTM C323 evaluates the chemical composition of the clays used in the production of ceramic whitewares.