Investigation of Thermal Rate and Fracture Stress of a Bio-Composite Material Based on Clay and Bone Ash

This study examines the mechanical and thermal behavior of ten ceramic formulations (C1 to C10) prepared from two types of specimens: Cylindrical Pure clay Specimens (CPC-SP) and Bone Ash Clay Specimens (BAC-SP). The raw materials, sourced from the Missole II clay formation (Douala, Cameroon), were homogenized at room temperature and compacted into cylindrical molds with 10 % water to ensure adequate plasticity and shaping. A total of 100 specimens (five replicates per formulation) were produced under a load of 8.8 N to ensure statistical reliability. Firing experiments, conducted between 750 and 1250˚C, showed that BAC-SP specimens retained 3% residual moisture and exhibited superior mechanical performance, with an average Young’s modulus of 6.6 GPa and a fracture stress of 2.56 MPa, compared with 3.56 GPa and 1.66 MPa for CPC-SP. A weight loss on ignition between 1.8 and 2% was recorded in the range of 1120 to 1144˚C, while Poisson’s ratio remained constant at 0.5 for both materials. The incorporation of bovine bone ash significantly enhances the strength and thermal stability of ceramics, offering promising opportunities for optimizing firing conditions and extending their use in advanced technological applications.