Artificial stone production using iron ore tailing (IOT)

Abstract

Abstract Artificial stone materials (ASM) were produced with an iron ore tailing (IOT) from the disruption of Fundão’s tailing dam, located in Mariana, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The IOT was separated in 3 powders with different particle sizes: DAG (<600 μm), DAR (600 to 75 μm), and DSA (<75 μm); then, each powder was characterized and mixed with a polymer resin (polyester or epoxy). ASM samples were prepared using the transfer molding technique; vacuum vibration technology was also applied to half of the samples. After curing, the ASM samples were characterized for mechanical properties and physical parameters. The microstructure of polished ASM samples was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. All results indicated that ASM samples produced with epoxy resin were superior to the samples made with polyester resin. The features found for the different compositions and shaping conditions for the produced ASM samples can allow various applications for these alternative materials in the construction industry, such as floor and wall tiles, providing a means of reducing the amount of IOT deposited in the tailing dams and adding economic value to this waste.