Characterization of pulp and paper mill waste for the production of waste-based cement

Abstract

Waste generation is increasing in many industries. Therefore, effective measures are required to secure an environmentally sustainable and economically viable waste destination. Co-processing in clinker kilns at high temperatures and incorporation into cement matrices may stabilize many types of industrial waste. This paper presents the results of a study that characterized pulp and paper mill waste and their recycling in clinker production. Chemical characterization and estimation of the hazardous potential of lime mud, biomass ash, and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge were performed in accordance with brazilian standard (NBR) 10004:2004. Biomass ash and WWTP sludge were classified as non-hazardous (class II), while lime mud was classified as hazardous (pH > 12.5, class I). These wastes were mixed (69 wt % lime mud, 29 wt % biomass ash, and 2 wt % WWTP sludge), and the resulting mixture was processed at 1455 °C to generate ‘Ecoclinker’. The clinker was characterized, milled, and mixed with calcium sulphate for use as an ‘Ecocement’. Mortars were obtained and cured for periods of seven and twenty-eight days. The hardened product exhibited a mechanical strength of ~20 MPa. The leaching and pH tests indicated that these parameters were within the permitted limits, confirming that this waste-based cement was non-hazardous.