Determining Ceramic Brick Composition by Analyzing Original Sample Color

What is it about?

The article describes the results of a study of the physical and chemical properties of inorganic raw materials, and inorganic ceramics of ancient Khiva using chemical analysis, scanning, and scanning electron microscope methods. New materials for restoration work corresponding to modern ceramic bricks were obtained. The most common and widely used color model, which was approved by the International Commission CIE in 1964, was chosen as a quantitative model for color assessment. According to the data obtained, various ceramic compositions were developed corresponding to the mechanical and coloristic characteristics of ancient clay bricks. It was found that clinker brick can be obtained for the restoration of ancient monuments of Khiva from loess rocks at the Suzanli deposit. A method for obtaining a mechanically activated mixture from the original materials was invented, and it was found that its introduction into the ceramic mass improves the molding ability of the semi-finished product.

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Why is it important?

Determining the composition of ceramic bricks through color characteristics is of significant scientific and practical importance, since the chromatic features of the material are directly correlated with its chemical–mineralogical composition (e.g., the presence of Fe₂O₃, MnO, TiO₂, CaO), the phase transformations occurring during firing, and the oxidation–reduction conditions of the technological process. Color thus serves not only as an aesthetic parameter for ensuring architectural and restoration compatibility but also as a diagnostic indicator of firing regime stability and process optimization, providing a reliable criterion for quality control and reproducibility of ceramic products in both industrial production and heritage conservation.

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