Analysis and Characterization of Ceramics Based on Natural Zeolite and

Magnesium Alumina Silica from Volcanic Ash : A Review

Diajukan untuk memenuhi Tugas Pengganti Mid Semester pada Mata Kuliah

Construction Materials and Corrosion

Dosen Pengampu: Zuhriyan Ash Shiddieqy Bahlawan, M. T.

Oleh:

Rima Safitri (5213419057)

JURUSAN TEKNIK KIMIA

FAKULTAS TEKNIK

UNIVERSITAS NEGERI SEMARANG

2020
 ABSTRACT

Nature provides a lot of resources that we can use in our daily life. Several natural phenomena
have different impacts on humans and the environment. These impacts can be in the form of
damage, pollution, or positive things such as fertility of the soil after being exposed to volcanic
eruption magma. Volcanic eruptions are examples of natural phenomena that cause a lot of
damage. However, there are several things that can be a positive impact after this phenomenon
takes place. The eruption produced volcanic ash containing silica alumina (Al2O3) and Magnesium
Oxide (MgO) which can be used as a material for making ceramics. In addition, there are still
many substances from nature that we can use to make ceramics such as natural zeolite. Natural
zeolite can be applied as a ceramic material, by knowing its physical and mechanical properties
first so that its use is optimal. Ceramics made from natural zeolites have functions such as
absorbing or releasing water, absorbing odors, or volatile compounds or filtering molecules. The
zeolite ceramic shading is burned at a temperature where the zeolite structure will not be damaged,
so that the zeolite function is still protected. This study aims to determine the material data in the
field of engineering ceramics as a refractory material (material resistant to high temperatures)
derived from zeolite and the addition of Al2O3 and MgO with a composition of ash (80%), Al2O3
(10%) and MgO (10%). 2.06 gr / cm2 with a burning temperature of 1200 0C. As well as to
determine the optimal sintering process for ceramic characteristics.

Keywords: Zeolite, Magnesium, Alumia, Silica, Volcanic Ash

INTRODUCTION

Without realizing it, ceramics have become very common and easy to find around us. We
often encounter ceramics in our homes or in places we often visit, such as schools, offices,
supermarkets, shops, skyscrapers, and many more. Ceramics can be found in items such as watches
(more precisely on quartz tuning forks), tiles, flower vases, tables, chairs, and automobiles (in
ceramic engine parts and spark plugs). These ceramics can also be found on shuttles or space
shuttles, household furniture (plates, forks, spoons, glasses, and picture or painting frames) and
airplanes.

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 Ceramic is a material that is formed through a heating process. Ceramic materials are
usually formed from inorganic and non-metallic materials or metal with non-metals. Because it
has many uses, ceramic is an important material to continue to be studied and developed. The
properties of ceramics are usually obtained by heating at high temperatures. In general, ceramics
are classified into traditional ceramics and modern ceramics. Traditional ceramics are usually
made from clay, for example: porcelain, tile brick, glass etc. Modern ceramics have a wider scope
than traditional ceramics, such as their use in the fields of electronics, computers, communications,
aerospace and others. In general, ceramics have brittle properties, low electrical and thermal
conductivity, compressive strength greater than tensile strength, and are not sensitive to chemical
reactions (Carter and Norton 2007).

In general, ceramics are made from a quartz matrix and are formed by grain masses that
are bonded between binders, fillers, fluxes and additives. Ceramic products have been widely
applied in engineering, especially in machinery such as: cutting tools, nozzles, valves, turbines,
ball bearings (Barsoum, 1997). Clay and kaolin act as binders when they are raw while feldspar
functions as a melting flux, which in turn strengthens the matrix bonds. The process uses high heat
of 1000°C - 1300°C. Ceramics with clay, feldspar and quartz materials, in the combustion process
there will be several changes in the form of evaporation of surface water and crystal water,
oxidation of alkaline and alkaline earth metal elements, oxidation of organic matter, pyrolysis,
decomposition of carbonates and sulfates contained in additives and materials. standard. This is
also called the pre-sintering process, which is the change in raw materials into strong ceramics,
chemical reactions and the mechanism of solidification of the materials starting at melting. The
combustion speed needs to be controlled so as not to damage the structure of the ceramic body,
because the gas that is formed will cause pressure.

1. Materials composition of volcanic ash consists of

Silica. Materials in the form of solids
1.1 Volcanic Ash from volcanic eruptions can be referred to
as pyroclastic materials (pyro = fire,
Volcanic ash is volcanic material that
clastic = chunks). This solid material is
is sprayed into the air during a volcanic
divided into several sizes based on the
eruption. In general, the main

2
diameter of the particles. Volcanic dust
(<0.26 mm) in the form of loose and fine
material, loose and blunt sand (0.25 - 4
mm), round or square shaped lapilli or
little stone (4 - 32 cm) and bombs (> 32
mm) rough texture. The grouping of
rocks resulting from volcanic eruptions is
based on silica content, namely acid
volcanic rocks (SiO2 content> 65%),
middle (35 - 65%) and alkaline (<35%).
Volcanic ash contains minerals that are
good for soil and plants with the highest
total element composition, namely Ca,
Na, K and Mg, other macro elements are
P and S, while the micro elements consist
of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu. These minerals have
the potential to increase soil mineral
reserves, enrich the chemical
composition and improve the physical
properties of the soil so that they can be
used as materials for improving nutrient-
poor soils or soils that have undergone
further weathering (Fiantis, 2006).
1.2 Silica
Silica (SiO2) can be obtained from
mineral silica, vegetable silica and
crystalline synthesis silica. Mineral silica
is a compound that is commonly found in
minerals in the form of minerals such as
3
quartz sand, granite, and feldspar which
contain crystals of silica (SiO2). Mineral
silica is generally obtained through the
mining process then a washing process is
carried out to remove impurities, then it is
separated and re-dried to produce a
greater silica content depending on the
conditions of the mining site. Crystalline
synthetic silica is obtained using Fumed
silica, TEOS and TMOS (Naskar and
Chartterjee, 2004) and can use the
melting method. The process of melting
begins with the appropriate cooling and
crystallization of the mineral. Melting
depends on the reduction of the melting
temperature, changes in the medium and
high temperatures required.
1.3 Magnesium
Magnesium is the eighth most
abundant element and accounts for about
2% of the earth's crust by weight and is
the third most dissolved element in
seawater. Magnesium is very abundant in
nature and is found in the form of
important minerals in rocks, such as
dolomite, magnetite, and olivine. it is also
found in seawater, salty underground and
salty layers. It is the third most abundant
structural metal in the earth's crust,
surpassed only by aluminum and iron.
Applications Magnesium compounds are
used as refractory materials in furnace
linings to produce metals (iron and steel,
nonferrous metals), glass, and cement.
Magnesium is the chemical element in
the periodic table which has the symbol
Mg and atomic number 12 and atomic
weight of 24.31. Magnesium is the eighth
most abundant element which makes up
2% by weight of the earth's crust, and is
the third most dissolved element in
seawater. This alkaline earth metal is
mainly used as an alloy to make
aluminum-magnesium alloys which are
often called "magnalium" or
"magnelium". Magnesium is a type of
light metal with the same characteristics
as aluminum but magnesium has a lower
melting point than aluminum.
1.4 Alumina
Alumina (Al2O3) is the most
important non-silicate ceramic material.
This material melts at 2051 ° C and
maintains its strength even at
temperatures of 1500 to 1700 ° C.
Alumina has high electrical resistance
and is resistant to thermal shock and
corrosion. Alumina (Al2O3) is obtained
4
from processing bauxite seeds containing
50-60% Al2O3; 1- 20% Fe2O3; 1-10%
silica; very little titanium zirconium and
other transition metal oxides; and the rest
(20-30%) is water. Aluminum oxide
(Al2O3) or better known as alumina is a
good heat and electricity insulator.
Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) plays an
important role in the resistance of
aluminum metal to corrosion with air.
Aluminum metal is actually very easy to
react with oxygen in the air. Aluminum
reacts with oxygen to form aluminum
oxide which forms as a thin layer which
quickly covers the surface of the
aluminum. This layer protects the
aluminum metal from further oxidation.
1.5 Zeolite
In terms of structure, zeolite is a
hollow mineral filled with water and is
polar, and has a certain pore size so that it
can filter molecules, exchange ions,
absorb odors or act as a catalyst. Zeolite
can also release water molecules from the
surface cavity which will be effective for
the molecules to be adsorbed. The
number of water molecules corresponds
to the number of pores or the volume of
empty space formed when the zeolite
crystal unit cell is heated. The water will
come out and the zeolite becomes active
if the zeolite crystals are heated at a
temperature of 300°C-400°C, so that they
can function as an absorber.
Ceramics have several advantages,
such as high melting point, resistance to
extreme temperatures, resistance
friction, resistance to corrosion, thermal
conductivity, thermal expansion
coefficient, and low density. However,
ceramics also have weaknesses, namely
brittle (Green, 1998) and low fracture
toughness (Chawla, 1993). The quality of
ceramics for conditions requiring odor-
absorbing properties, high stability to
change, requires a certain type of ceramic
that is in accordance with these needs.
Zeolites have properties called "beautiful
minerals" with specific properties that
they only have and can be used in many
industrial fields.
2. Research Methodology
2.1 Magnesium Alumina Silica Material
Based
The process of making ceramic
samples carried out in this study, the first
is in determining the composition of the
test sample to be formed, where
according to the objectives of this study,
the composition of the test sample was
made in various ways, namely: Sample 1,
volcanic ash 90%, Al2O3 5% and MgO 5
%, and in sample 2, 80% volcanic ash,
10% Al2O3 and 10% MgO after weighing
to
the composition, add 25 ml of water to
each sample material that has been
weighed, then milling it using a ball mill
with a duration (time) for 4 hours which
aims to make uniformity in the shape of
the particle size or in other words to make
homogenization of the ceramic sample
material, after the grinding process is
complete the next step is drying (oven)
which aims to remove water content or
release water molecules contained in the
ceramic sample material for ± 12 hours
with a temperature of 100 ° C, after pr
The drying process is complete, then the
next process is printing the test sample
material where in this process the sample
will be formed in the form of a pellet with
the dry pressing method with a pressure
of 80 kg / cm2, and after the printing
process on the sample has been
completed, the next step is a combustion
process (sintering), where sintering is a
combustion process that aims to bind the
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grains to each other and reduce porosity
which is carried out at high temperatures
and to obtain objects into compact and
strong ceramics according to the desired
specifications, and in this study the
combustion temperature (sintering) is
also carried out in various ways, namely
from temperatures of 600 ° C, 800 ° C,
1000 ° C, 1100 ° C, 1200 ° C, this aims to
determine the optimum combustion
temperature in the ceramic test sample.
2.1.1 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Test
The crystal structure characterization
of the test sample was carried out by
using X-ray diffraction method. XRD is a
device that can provide diffraction data of
a material and a large quantity of
diffraction intensity at diffraction angles
20. The purpose of conducting crystal
structure analysis testing is to determine
changes in the phase structure of the
material and to find out what phases are
formed during the manufacturing process
test sample. There are two main
characteristics of diffraction namely
geometry and intensity. The geometry of
diffraction is simply described by Bragg's
Law. Suppose there are two reflected rays
a and þ. Mathematically, ray þ lags
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behind ray a by xy + yz which equals 2d
sin0 geometrically. In order for these two
rays to be in the same phase, this distance
must be an integer multiple of the
wavelength of ray L.
2.1.2 Density Test
In this study, density measurement
was carried out using the direct method,
density measurement is needed to
determine the characteristics of the
ceramic material and to determine a mass
density of the object expressed in weight
of the object per volume of the object.
Density can help explain why objects of
the same size have different weights, and
in this context it can be written as
ρ = m / v.
2.1.3 Hardness Test
Hardness is defined as the resistance
of a material to penetration on the surface
of the test sample. Hardness testing using
the Vickers method is carried out using a
Micro hardness Tester. The principle of
the Vickers hardness test is that the load
is divided by the area of indentation or
can be formulated as follows;
 Hv = 1.854 (F/D2)
2.1.4 Morphological Structure Test
The Morphological Structure Test
was carried out using a digital BS-
6000AT Microscope, which has the
ability to magnify objects from 40x to
1400x and also the lighting can be
adjusted easily. And the purpose of
observing the morphological structure in
this study is to observe the distribution of
the material in the ceramic material.
using 3 (three) particle sizes, namely -48
mesh -120 mesh and -200 mesh at a
burning temperature of 800°C, 850°C
900°C, 950°C and 1000°C with a burning
time of 2-8 hours. The analysis of water
absorption by the product was carried out
using the gravimetric method. Mineral
identification was performed using X-
Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM). Composite
formula variables were carried out in 6
variables at 4 types of compressive
strength 150; 100; 75 and 50 kg / cm2.

2.2 Zeolite Material Based

The manufacture and mass formation

of ceramics is carried out by a pressure
molding process, with a diameter of 4 cm
Figure 1. Diffractogram of ceramic
and a thickness of 0.5-1 cm. Composites
zeolite at 800°C
consist of a homogeneous mixture of
zeolite, kaolin, feldspar, water and
sodium carbonate compounds. The
composites are then dried at room
temperature and at 50-60 ° C, the
maximum moisture content before
Figure 2. Diffractogram of a ceramic
burning is 5%. To increase the strength of
zeolite at 1000°C
zeolite ceramics, combustion is carried
out at a temperature of 800°-1000 ° C, Table 1. Densities of ceramic
after burning the zeolite ceramic products zeolites
are tested. Experiments were carried out

7
 Number Burn Density Figure 3. XRD test results for sample
Temperature 1 at 1100 ° C
1 800°C 2,24
From Figure 3 above we can see that
2 1000°C 2,46
there are 16 highest peaks obtained from
sample 1, and the highest of the peaks is
Table 2. Water absorption by zeolites at the 6th peak, this shows that the purest
crystal structure formed in test sample 1
Material % water
This is located at the 6th peak and will be
Zeolite 22,33
our reference for finding any phases that
are formed at these peaks using the Match
3. Analysis and Characterization software. The results of the search for the
phases formed in the sample can be seen
3.1 Test Result for Magnesium Alumina
in Table 3 below.
Silica Material
Table 3. XRD test results for sample
3.1.1 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) Test
1 at a temperature of 1100 ° C
Results

XRD analysis is carried out to

determine the phase change in the
structure of the material and to find out
what phases are formed during the
process of making the test sample. The
sample used in this analysis is sample 1
with a composition of 90% ash, 5% Al2O3
and 5% MgO sintered at 1100 ° C.

From Table 3 above we can see that

the dominant phase formed in sample 1 is
SiO2, as well as the phase whose pure
crystal structure is formed in this sample
and for the minor phase or the least

8
formed phase in sample 1 is the Al phase,
SiO2. In the following, the XRD test
results will be presented on sample 2
where as described above in sample 2
there is a difference in the percentage of
the composition, namely 80% ash, 10%
Al2O3 and 10% MgO and sintered at 1200
° C.
Figure 4. XRD test results for sample
2 at a temperature of 1200 ° C
From Figure 4 above we can see that
in the figure there are 13 highest peaks,
and the highest peak of the 13 peaks is at
the 4th peak and the purest crystal
structure formed in the 2nd sample is
found at the peak 4. The following are the
results of the data processing that has
been carried out on the second sample.
Table 4. XRD test results for sample
2 at a temperature of 1200 ° C
9
From Table 4 above, we can see that
the addition of the percentage
composition in Al2O3 and MgO greatly
affects the phase formed in this test
sample, even though the highest phase in
this sample is shown in number 4, namely
SiO2, but other phases are formed in
sample 2. This is seen more when
compared to sample 1 which dominates
only SiO2, and in testing sample 2 it also
shows that the increasing percentage of
composition in Al2O3 and MgO greatly
affects the new phase formed in sample 2,
where we can see the changes, namely
The three materials have reacted with
each other as we saw at the 5th and 10th
peaks, and at the peak number 12 and
peak number 13 there we can see the
formation of Al, MgO4 (Spinel), and if we
compare it to the results of the XRD test
sample 1, in the sample Al2O3 does not
react with MgO, so from the explanation
above we can conclude that the From Table 5 above, it can be seen
percentage addition of the composition in that the comparison of the results of the
sample 2 is very influential on the phases denistas value in sample 1 and sample 2,
formed in the test sample. where from the data from the above test
results in sample 1 from a temperature of
600 ° C to a temperature of 1100 ° C the
3.1.2 Density Test Results density value increases in density, while

Density measurement is carried out to at a temperature of 1200 ° C The denistas

find out at what sintering temperature the value has decreased, this indicates that in

maximum density occurs and the test in sample 1 at a temperature of 1200 ° C it

this study is carried out by the ordinary or changes shape and has close to its melting

direct method, namely by dividing the point (deformation, from the test results

mass directly by the volume of the above it can be concluded that the

sample. The following will explain the optimum temperature in sample 1 is at

results of the density test of sample 1 1100 ° C. And in sample 2 it can be seen

ceramic material with a composition of that there is a change in the density test

90% volcanic ash, 5% Al2O3 and 5% results in sample 2 where the higher the

MgO, and for sample 2 the composition sintering temperature is, and when

of 90% volcanic ash, 10% Al2O3 and 10% compared to sample 1 the value of the

MgO can be seen in the following table density that tends to be good is in sample

5. 2, this can be influenced because in

sample 2 it is formed Al2MgO4 (Spinel)
Table 5. The results of the
phase where the density value of this
comparison of density values in each test
spinel ceramic has a high density value.
sample

3.1.3 Hardness Test Results

The hardness test carried out in this

study is the Vickers Hardness method
which refers to the JIS Z 2251 standard
(Somiya, 1989), and the purpose of the

10
hardness test is to determine the 1 only reaches 567.28 kg f/mm2. This
hardness value contained in each test shows that the addition of the percentage
sample using a Micro hardness tester. In composition in sample 2 greatly affects
the following, we will explain the results the hardness value produced by the
of the hardness testing of the ceramic sample, where after adding the
material in sample 1 with a composition percentage composition of the elements
of 90% volcanic ash, 5% Al2O3 and 5% Al2O3 and MgO by 5% per element, the
MgO, and for sample 2 the composition hardness value obtained is also getting
of 90% volcanic ash, 10% Al2O3 and better.
10% MgO can be seen in the Table The
following 6.
3.1.4 Morphological Structure Test
Tabel 6. Comparison of the
Results
results of the hardness test values
for each test sample Observation of the morphological
structure is carried out to see the
N Temperatur HV
enlargement that occurs in the ceramic
o e °C (Kgflmm²)
sample or to see the enlargement of the
1100 364.92
pores found on the surface of the sample,
1 1200 567.28
by observing this morphological structure
1100 385.69
we will be able to see directly whether the
2 1200 768.21 mixture of materials in the sample looks
evenly distributed or not at all. The

From Table 5 above we can see the results of observations of the

comparison value between sample 1 and morphological structure using

sample 2, where we can see that a high Microscope BS-6000 AT on the first

enough density value is in sample 2. The ceramic sample with the composition of

increase in the hardness value tends to be Mount Sinabung volcanic ash 90%,

high in sample 2 which reaches 768.21 kg Al2O3 5%, MgO 5% sintered at 1100 ° C

f / mm2 at 1200 ° C, while in sample 1 at and at a temperature of 1200 ° C is shown

the same temperature, namely at 1200 ° in Figure 7 below.

C, the hardness value obtained by sample

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 evenly or at the time of the
homogenization process it is still not
optimal. The observations of the
morphological structure of sample 2 with
80% ash composition, 10% Al2O3 and
Figure 5. Optical Microscope Photo 10% MgO sintered at 1100 ° C and 1200
Results on sample 1 in a flashlight at a ° C are shown in Figure 6 below.
temperature of 1100 ° C and 1200 ° C

From the results of an optical

microscope photo with a magnification of
40 times, the surface of the structure of
sample 1 with a composition of 90% ash,
Figure 6. The results of Optical
5% Al2O3, and 5% MgO in sintering at
Microscope photos on sample 2 are
1100 ° C can be seen from Figure. 5
flashed at a temperature of 1100 ° C and
above, it can be seen clearly that what is
1200 ° C
still very visible from the picture above is
the aluminum which is shown in flash From the results of an optical
white, and the gray is the color of the microscope photo with a magnification of
volcanic ash of Mount itself. 40 times, the surface of the second
sample structure with the composition of
As can be seen from the picture
Mount volcanic ash 80%, Al2O3 10%,
above, volcanic ash and Alumina and
and MgO 10% sintered at 1100 ° C we
MgO elements have not yet been
can observe from Figure 6 above. In the
combined or cannot be said to be
optical microscope photo above, it can be
compact, and the black ones are called
seen that the surface of the second sample
pores in the sample. However, if we
structure at a sintering temperature of
compare the two results, it can be seen
1100 ° C is evenly distributed compared
that the more dominant one seen evenly
to sample 1 with a composition of 90%
is the sintering temperature of 1200 ° C.
Ash, 5% Al2O3, and 5% MgO, although
This is because the elemental content in
in the photo above there are still visible
the ceramic material has not been mixed
pores. pores but not too much. This shows

12
that the percentage of the mixture is also
very influential to get optimal results. For
the results of observing the
morphological structure of sample 2 at a
sintering temperature of 1200 ° C. As we
can see in Figure 6 above, it can be seen
that the material for the volcanic ash,
Al2O3 and MgO ceramics has almost
been said to be fused or even though there
are still many pores on it. the surface of
the sample, and the most visible in this
observation is still the alumina and the
ash from the mountain and it cannot be
said that the three ceramic materials are
combined. This shows that the percentage
composition of the test sample and the
sintering temperature are very influential
in obtaining optimal results, where when
the sintering temperature is increased, the
results of the observation of the structure
look more even.
3.2 Test Result for Zeolite Material
From Table 6, it can be seen that the
average water absorption of the zeolite
ceramic produced by burning is 800 ° C,
at a printing pressure of 50 kg / cm2
ranging from 22.18 - 23%, this shows an
increase in the absorption rate. While the
blank product without zeolite, the
13
absorption is 19.56% and the absorption
of pure zeolite is 22.33%. Visually, the
strength of the ceramic with a burning
temperature of 800 ° C was immersed in
water for 7 (seven) days, did not change,
the product remained stable. The higher
the printing pressure, the lower the
absorption of water, this is because the
more compact the material, the higher the
combustion temperature, the lower the
absorption of water, this is because the
higher the temperature, the degradation
of the zeolite mineral structure.
increasing, so that the nature of the
zeolite begins to change.
The diffractogram of ceramic zeolite
that was burned at 800 ° C still showed
zeolite peaks (mordenite), supported by
SEM results that mordenite crystals were
still visible in the form of needles and
fibers. At a burning temperature of 1000
° C, the only visible peaks are quartz and
albite. Likewise, pre-sintering has
occurred in SEM, but it still looks porous
and more compact when compared to the
combustion at 800 ° C.
This shows that the burning of
ceramics with a zeolite matrix must be
carried out at a temperature less than
1000 ° C, from the results of water
absorption, it can be seen that at 1000 ° C
combustion, there is a decrease in the
absorption of water. The addition of
sodium carbonate as much as 5% showed
a significant temperature reduction in the
combustion of materials, which are
basically stoneware-type ceramics
carried out at a temperature of 1100 ° C -
1300 ° C.
At the time of the experimentation
process, visually it appears that the
composite without the addition of sodium
compounds at 1100 ° C has not
undergone a sintering process and the
ceramic is still brittle. Likewise, the blank
(without zeolite) which is burned at
800oC is still in the form of earthenware
which has large porous and very fragile
with water absorption of 19.56%. Water
absorption (Table 7) at various pressures
shows that the composite formula with
zeolite as the main ingredient is still
around 21-22%, while without zeolite the
absorption is only 16.75%.

Table 6. Water absorption by ceramic zeolite at a combustion temperature of 800°C

Table 7. Water absorption by ceramic zeolite

Table 8. Water absorption by ceramic zeolite at a combustion temperature of 800°C, for 3

hours

14
 During the experimentation process,
an interesting condition was also found,
where visually it was seen that the blank
(without zeolite) which had not yet
undergone combustion on the surface of
the ceramic body, formed scattered
needle crystals. This assumption is that
sodium carbonate crystals come from the
reaction between alkaline sodium
compounds that suck CO2 gas from the
air. This can result in the burning process
that will first melt the outside (case
hardening) so that it will prevent the
burning of the inside of the composite, so
that the product becomes brittle.
Figure 7. SEM photo of ceramic
zeolite at 1000°C (2000 times
magnification)
Whereas in the body matrix
containing zeolite this does not happen,
because the sodium compound is bound
by the zeolite structure into
homogeneous matrix, so that in the
drying, heating and burning process, case
hardening does not occur.
Figure 8. SEM photo of ceramic
zeolite at 1000°C (magnification 10000
times)
The density of zeolite ceramics burnt
at 800 ° C is 2.24, because zeolite is still
a natural mineral, the presence of a tunnel
formed by pores in the crystal structure
results in a network (natural zeolite
density ranges from 2.1-2.47). The
zeolite ceramic product resulting from a
combustion temperature of 1000 ° C is
2.46, indicating a significant increase,
because the compaction process at 1000 °
C has started to occur, from SEM analysis
it appears that the material is starting to
compact and there is melting of the
material. From the data above, the zeolite
type of stone ceramics is still possible to
burn composites with the addition of
a
burning time at a temperature of 800 ° C
or below 1000 ° C.
15
CONCLUSION gr / cm2 and the resulting hardness value
is 768.21 kg f / mm2.
Based on the results of research that
has been carried out on the manufacture 3) Zeolite ceramics (stone ceramics)
of silica magnesium alumina ceramics, which are formed by the main material of
several things can be concluded as natural zeolite and auxiliary materials as
follows. binders and fluxes in the form of clay,
kaolin and feldspar with a zeolite /
1) Magnesium alumina silica ceramics
auxiliary ratio of 70/30 at a printing
have been successfully made from the
pressure of 50 kg / cm2 can be made at a
basic material of Mount volcanic ash,
burning temperature of 800 ° C is able to
especially in sample 1 with a composition
absorb water as much as 23%. In these
of 90% Volcanic Ash, 5% Al2O3, and 5%
conditions the zeolite is still a natural
MgO in sintering at 1100° C, while in
crystal (SEM and XRD).
sample 2 with the composition of 80%
Mount volcanic ash, 10% Al2O3 and 10% 4) To increase the strength of the ceramic,
MgO, the other phases formed are Al, the composite can be extended to burn
MgO4 (spinel). time at an ambient temperature of 800 °
C or below 1000 ° C. And the composite
2) In the manufacture of silica
combustion should not be more than 1000
magnesium alumina ceramics from
° C, because at that temperature zeolite
volcanic ash from Mount, the optimum
dysfunction occurs, forming quartz and
sintering temperature in sample 1 with a
albite. Substitution of sodium carbonate
composition of 90% ash, 5% Al2O3 and
as much as 5% by weight, can
5% MgO is at a sintering temperature of
significantly reduce the combustion
1100 ° C with a density value of 1.81 gr /
temperature.
cm2 and for the results of the hardness
value of 567.28 kg f / mm2 While for
sample 2 ash 80%, Al2O3 10% and MgO
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16
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