Study of the addition of sludge generated by the metalworking insdustry in the manufacture of red cermic bricks

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of the ETE (effluent treatment plant) sludge generated at an industrial production plant of refrigerators, to the raw material for the manufacture of red ceramic hollow and solid bricks. The sludge was characterized through the analysis of X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction, and his thermal behaviour studied by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The compositions were prepared in proportions of 10, 15 and 20% of sludge into red ceramic body. Sintered test specimens were produced at temperatures of 800, 900, 950 and 1050 ° C. For each mixture, the properties of loss to fire, firing shrinkage, drying shrinkage, water absorption, firing colour, density, porosity, particle size, compressive strength, moisture and plasticity were measured. The compositions of 10 and 15% showed very promising results in relation to specifications. However, to improve the properties of porosity with sintering temperature, and the characteristics of the fire loss and drying shrinkage with the addition of less plastic clays, is the challenge for future work.