Influence of MDF residues on the physical and mechanical properties of clay ceramic products, after firing

Abstract

The aim of this research is based on the social importance of using MDF waste in clay ceramic pastes for building applications, aiming at reducing the environmental impacts caused by the inappropriate disposal of waste and the exploitation of natural resources to obtain clay ceramic products. The goal of the work is to analyze the influence of the MDF residue addition on the physical-mechanical properties of clay ceramic pastes for the manufacture of ceramic blocks by uniaxial pressing forming method. The residues and ceramic pastes were characterized physically, chemically, and mineralogically using a range of methods. Physical characterization included determining particle size distribution laser diffraction, linear shrinkage, apparent porosity, plasticity and flexural strength. Chemical characterization was achieved by determining elemental composition (X-ray fluorescence). Mineralogical characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for high-resolution imaging and elemental analysis. Subsequently, specimens were prepared with mixtures of 10 and 20% of the residue by mass, which were subjected to heat treatment at 800 and 900°C. The physical-mechanical properties were determined using the following tests: water absorption, apparent porosity, loss on ignition and flexural modulus of rupture. The results showed that, when subjected to high temperatures, the MDF residue is largely eliminated from the composition, leaving the body with high porosity, directly influencing the final strength of the product, making it impossible to immediately indicate the use of the material in civil construction.