The aim of this work was to evaluate some mechanical properties of red ceramic as a function of the firing temperature. The clayey mass was characterized in terms of chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, particle size distribution, morphology, plasticity, and dilatometric behavior. Test specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressing and fired at 850 ºC, 950 ºC, and 1050 ºC. Fired test specimens were characterized in terms of flexural strength, elastic modulus, Weibull parameter, characteristic strength, apparent density, water absorption, and specific surface area. The microstructural evolution was accompanied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the firing temperature directly influenced in the mechanical properties of red ceramic. A high content of open pores was eliminated mainly above 950 ºC. The flexural strength test data resulted in Weibull distributions, whose Weibull parameters are in the range 8.59-12.42.
red ceramic; mechanical properties; porosity
