Industrial Scale Manufacturing of Red Ceramic Sealing Blocks with Ornamental Stone Wastes

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this work was to manufacture, on an industrial scale, sealing blocks, made in the red ceramic industry, incorporating ornamental stone wastes in percentages of 0%, 10% and 20% in the ceramic mass.   Theoretical framework: Red ceramics has an important paper in the construction industry. The sealing block is one of the most used products due to its thermal and acoustic insulation power. The state of Espírito Santo is one of the largest producers and exporters of ornamental stones in the country. The processing of these stones generate large amounts of fine waste. These wastes are deposited daily in ornamental stone landfills. Brazil generates around 2.5 million tons of fine waste per year, where the state of Espírito Santo is responsible for 2 million tons.   Method/design/approach: The sealing blocks were manufactured by extrusion in the size of 90x190x190 mm, without waste and with ornamental stone waste. After extrusion, the artifacts were dried in an oven for 7 days at 40°C. They were subsequently burned for 72 hours at a temperature of 900°C.   Results and conclusion: The results showed that the specimens manufactured with waste showed lower water absorption, which is a positive factor, they also met the geometric characteristics tests determined by the Brazilian standard for ceramic materials.   Research implications: Use ornamental stone waste that is deposited in millions of tons in landfills to manufacture red ceramic artifacts and thus contribute to reducing environmental impact.   Originality/value: Produce sealing blocks with ten holes in the red clay ceramic industry and certify their technological feasibility through tests established by Brazilian standards.