Reuse of the Iron Ore Residue Through the Production of Coating

Abstract

In this work an artificial stone, which is a composite material, was produced using a reinforcement residue of iron ore and epoxy resin as matrix. This production can be a viable alternative to provide an alternative destination to the iron ore residue, since it has today dams and deposition ponds as destination, bringing risks to environment and to human health. The objective of this project was to produce artificial stone for coating, reusing iron ore residue, thus adding economic value to this material. The specimens were produced by pressing, with a resin content of 15%. Environmental and thermogravimetric analysis, physical tests, and chemical resistance experiments were performed. The residue was classified as non-inert and non-hazardous. The hydrochloric acid was the one that most attacked the artificial stone of iron ore residue (ASIO), with mass loss of 0.025 g. Regarding the water absorption, the ASIO obtained a value of 0.21%, value that is compatible with the ones found for artificial marbles. The production of artificial stone proved to be feasible, in addition to providing an environmentally favorable destination for the iron ore residue.