" Evaluation of the Suitability of some Clays to Produce the Fire Bricks for Selected Sites in Anbar Governorate, Western Iraq "

The discussion committee consisted of:

Prof. Dr. Hamid Hassan Abdullah - University of Anbar - College of Science- President

Assist. Prof. Dr. Abdul Hamid Abdul Muhammad - University of Anbar - College of Science - Member

Assist. Prof. Dr. Omar Burhan Nour El-Din - University of Anbar - College of Science - Member

Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Ali - University of Anbar - College of Sciences - member and supervisor

The current study dealt with an attempt to manufacture lightweight firebricks by using porcelainize rock powder as well as flint clays and adding them in different proportions to both kaolinite and bauxite clays. In this study, local bauxite clays were used as an alternative to imported bauxite clays to produce normal weight firebricks. The results of the tests showed that local bauxite clays gave physical, mechanical and thermal results values that were comparable to imported bauxite clays. The best firing temperature was at (1400) C0, as it gave good results. We conclude from this that increasing the firing temperature has a significant effect on the properties of the produced firebricks, for example, an increase in longitudinal shrinkage after firing and total density, in addition to hardness and compressive strength values, and a decrease in porosity and water absorption values.