LAUSR

Abstract The present study aims to investigate the availability of using clay materials of the, upper Cenomanian El Heiz, Turonian-Santonian Naqb El-Sillim and Oligocene Radwan Formations in the Bahariya Oasis for the first time to use in the ceramic industry, especially vitrified clay pipes for sewers and drainage. Many technological methods were used to evaluate these raw materials, including mineralogical and geochemical data involving major and trace elements. Thermal analysis was also performed to study the properties of raw materials. Analyses on some physical and chemical properties was also done to evaluate clay properties, as shrinkage, water absorption, bulk density, apparent porosity and chemical resistance. Based on the results of chemical and mechanical properties, the Radwan Formation yielded the best results with respect to pipe manufacturing. It also had the best results for plasticity. This analysis enables to evaluate the percentage of water needed for its Formation and has a profound effect in reducing the energy needed for the drying process.