Effect of Phosphate Mine Tailings from Morocco on the Mechanical Properties of Ceramic Tiles

Abstract

The objective of this work is to study a way of recovering phosphate mine tailings from the exploitation of phosphates in the manufacture of ceramic faience products. Five formulations are studied, the dry pressing process is used to make the tiles. The formulations studied are produced by mixing the waste rock with abundant local clay in percentages which vary from 0 to 100%. The materials produced are characterized by their physical properties (water absorption, shrinkage), mechanical properties (resistance to bending) and surface properties (observation by scanning electron microscopy). The results show that the integration of phosphate mine tailings improves the mechanical properties of ceramic tiles but increases the percentage of fire shrinkage and water absorption. Nevertheless, industrial use of the waste studied with the percentages 20 and 50% in clay-based formulas could be envisaged to design ceramic faience products, in accordance with the applicable mechanical and technical requirements. This recovery method makes it possible to manage the large quantities of mine discharges and therefore their environmental impact as well as to preserve non-renewable natural resources.