Specific Weight of Chamotte, Properties and Calculation Table

Chamotte is an interesting material, and interest in it continues to grow. In the past, chamotte was mainly used for fireplaces and stoves; today it is also widely used as an expressive decorative material. This material is refractory clay or kaolin that has been fired and brought to a certain degree of sintering, with water removed and plasticity lost. The term is also used for other refractory materials containing chamotte powder.

In artistic ceramics, chamotte is a plastic mass with 30 to 40 percent chamotte grog added, with a grain size from 0.2 to 2.5 mm.

Table of Specific Weight of Chamotte

Because chamotte is a complex material, calculating its specific weight independently in field conditions is practically impossible. Such measurements are carried out in special chemical laboratories. However, the average specific weight of chamotte is known and ranges from 1.8 to 2.2 g/cm3.

For easier calculations, the table below gives values for the weight of chamotte, the specific weight of chamotte and these values depending on the units of measurement.

Properties of Chamotte

Chamotte is an inexpensive but high-quality material widely used in finishing and construction work. It has good resistance to water and temperature changes, which makes it useful for structures operating under high-temperature conditions. Chamotte stove production is a clear example of this use.

In powder form, chamotte requires additional protection from moisture, which can reduce its useful properties.

According to application, chamotte is commonly divided into the following types:

• Chamotte aggregates. This type includes aggregates and binders for refractory mortars and concretes, such as chamotte stone and chamotte powder.
• Chamotte brick. This is refractory brick of the ShB, ShA and ShL ranges. It is very light and highly refractory.
• Refractory mortars. This group includes different mortars, such as chamotte, silica, magnesia, high-alumina and others.
• Refractory cements. These are special cements with increased heat resistance, including high-alumina cements and GC grade cement with numbers 40, 50 and 60.
• Refractory concrete. These are dry refractory mixes, including masonry and repair mortars, concrete, mixes for shotcreting and lining, and spinel-type ramming masses.
• Other products using chamotte. These are various materials in which chamotte is used, such as asbestos materials, refractory wool and products made from periclase and chromite.

Environmental Impact of Chamotte

Chamotte production involves firing, so if cleaning technologies are not properly maintained, dust and harmful compounds may be emitted into the air around production facilities. Chamotte dust also plays a significant role in environmental pollution. Inhaling this dust is dangerous to health and, with long-term exposure, may increase the risk of occupational respiratory diseases.