Physical and Mechanical Properties Improvement of Miocene Marls (Morocco) Doped by Iron Oxide Fe₂O₃

The Miocene marls or calcareous clay of the southern Rif groove is one of the geological wealth of the region of Taza in Morocco. This study presents a methodology for recycling the waste iron oxide in ceramics bricks, in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner, using the tailings produced from iron mines. Due to its iron oxide content, this waste can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of bricks, at the same time reducing the environmental impact. The study was based on the doping process, which is known to conserve energy, we will see how the addition of these quantities can in some cases lead to profound changes in the properties of the basic solid, both at the macroscopic level and at the level of the microstructural evolution of our materials. Physical and chemical characterization of this marl was carried out before and after doping with iron oxide Fe₂O₃ following various analytical techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal and ceramics parameters. The doping of the marl was done at different percentages (5, 10, and 15%). The results of the mineralogical analysis of marl after this doping indicate the presence of hematite. Further characterization of the ceramics properties such as linear shrinkage, porosity, and mechanical strength were also investigated by firing doped bricks at a temperature of 900 °C. However, doping with Fe₂O₃ caused a decrease in porosity and an increase in the mechanical resistance of the bricks. Furthermore, the ceramic tests performed on the product show that the doped marl can be used as bricks due provided interesting properties, such as firing behavior and mechanical resistance. Accordingly, the marl doped with 15% Fe₂O₃ gives the best improvements in physic mechanical properties.