Granite waste and coffee husk ash synergistic effect on clay-based ceramics

Abstract

Brazil produces massive amounts of granite sawing waste and coffee husk ash and their inadequate and, often, illegal disposal causes enormous environmental problems. In the past decade, these and other industrial wastes have been intensively studied aiming at determining their potential as alternative raw materials, particularly for the ceramic industry. This work describes research carried out on the joint incorporation of those wastes in ceramic roof tile formulations. The results indicated that the simultaneous use of both materials translates into a very forgivable industrial working range, both composition- and temperature-wise, which, given the technological properties values observed after firing at 1100 degrees C, enables industrial up-grade to wall tile production. As collateral benefits, the use of granite waste and coffee husk ash as alternative raw materials in the manufacture of clay-based products will relieve the stress on feldspars consumption and attenuate waste disposal concerns.