Characterization of Sugarcane Bagasse ash Waste for Its Use in Ceramic Floor Tile

Abstract

In Brazil, the sugarcane industry generates large amounts of sugarcane bagasse ash, and a key issue is to find a proper use of this solid waste material. The aim of this study is to determine the chemical, physical and mineralogical characteristics of a sugarcane bagasse ash sample from south-eastern Brazil, and to investigate its use in the production of ceramic floor tile. The sample of this waste material was analyzed regarding chemical composition, mineralogical analysis, particle size distribution, morphology, particle density, and organic matter. Floor tile pieces containing up to 2.5 wt% sugarcane bagasse ash waste as a partial replacement of quartz were prepared by uniaxial pressing and sintered at 1190°C. The following technological properties were determined using standard procedures: flexural strength, apparent density, linear shrinkage, and water absorption. The experimental results indicated that the sugarcane bagasse ash waste is rich in quartz particles, and has potential to be used as an alternative raw material for the production of ceramic floor tile.