Mechanical and Physical Properties of Light-Weight Ceramic Aggregates Prepared from Waste Materials

Abstract

This paper presents mechanical and physical properties of light porous aggregates obtained from local waste materials. Granules were produced from a mixture of aluminosilicate-based coal-mine slates and car windshield glass that was contaminated by the polyvinyl butyral foil. The initial waste material ratio modification significantly alters physical and mechanical properties of obtained ceramic granules to the extent of the critical amount of added windshield glass powder. The temperature of the heat treatment affects the granules’ properties and demonstrates the microstructure and phase crystallization control possibilities. The critical value of the windshield glass concentration was determined to be at a level of 30%, considering the relationship between mechanical and physical properties when large porosity is essential in further application. On the other hand, if the glass-to-slates weight ratio was equal and a sufficient thermal treatment was applied, a core–shell macrostructure formation and occlusion of pores occurred.