Evaluation of the potential use of granite waste in products of the red ceramic industry in the state of Amazonas

Abstract

The increase in the exploitation of raw materials in the civil construction sector has led to an increase in damage to the environment, mainly due to the improper disposal of granitic waste. However, this fact has caused damage to the envi-ronment. Therefore, this research aims to analyze the influence of the introduction of granite waste in a clay matrix aim-ing its use in the red ceramic industry. For this, the clay from the ceramic pole in the city of Iranduba-AM and granite waste from a company located in the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo-AM were collected. Formulations were made containing three levels of waste (0, 10 and 20% mass) and three firing temperatures (1173, 1273 and 1373K). The materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and the following technological properties were determined: water absorption; linear retraction; apparent porosity; specific mass; and 3-point flexural rupture module. The results showed that the glassy phases generated provide a better densifica-tion of the formulations with 20% of waste, sintered at 1373K, as they presented favorable mechanical properties for the manufacture of red ceramic products, providing a correct destination of the waste and providing alternatives for the social, economic context and environmental impact of the Amazon region.