Recycling waste clay and rice husk ash in the production of low-density ceramics

Abstract

Rice husk ash is a residue that is generated when rice husk is burned. The high silica content makes this ash a waste with high economic potential. The waste clay used in this work is obtained from the processes employed at Eti Maden Bigadiç Boron Works. This study aims to recycle the waste clay and rice husk ash in the production of low-density ceramics. Rice husk ash and waste clay were characterized by chemical and X-ray diffraction analyses. The batches containing different ratios of rice husk ash and waste clay were prepared and shaped by cold pressing. The pressed samples were fired at 950, 1000, 1050, and 1100˚C. The physical properties such as water absorption, apparent porosity, linear shrinkage, and bulk density were determined. Microstructural observations were performed by using scanning electron microscopy. Based on the technological characteristics; it was observed that low-density ceramics can be produced by using waste clay and rice husk ash. This study also supports the environmentally friendly recycling of waste clay and rice husk ash, which may have a storage problem.