Incorporation of Ornamental Stone Waste in the Manufacturing of Red Ceramics

Brazil is one of the largest producers of ornamental stones in the world. The state of Espírito Santo has considerable social and economic relevance in the production of ornamental stones, particularly in exportation and the jobs that are directly related to this industry. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of ornamental stone waste on the physical and mechanical properties of red ceramic manufactured using clays and waste from the state of Espírito Santo, and to collaborate to regulate the use of this ornamental stone waste in the ceramic industry when manufacturing products. Ornamental stone wastes were incorporated into the ceramic mass in the following proportions: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% by weight. In the elaborated compositions, specimens were prepared by extrusion and were fired at 1050 °C and 1100 °C. After firing, the physical and mechanical properties of the material were analyzed using density, water absorption, porosity, linear shrinkage and mechanical strength. The results indicated an improvement in the properties of the ceramics with the addition of the waste by mass for the two temperatures. Therefore, the lower temperature (1050 °C) can be used to sinter the materials produced whilst obtaining satisfactory results and saving electrical energy. Ornamental stone waste has very promising applications in the ceramic industry.