Microstructural Characterization of Clay-Based Ceramics with the Addition of Granite Residues

Abstract

Million tons of ornamental stones residues are produced every year. Most of this residue is disposed without any kind of processing or treatment. Moreover, disposal occurs without a prospective of reuse or recycling. The incorporation into ceramics is a possible alternative for part of this residue. Clay-based ceramics have high capacity of incorporation of industrial residues. This work aimed to conduct a microstructural characterization of clay-based ceramics with incorporation of granite residues in the composition of the ceramic matrix. Specimens were produced with the addition of 0, 10, 20 and 30 wt. % of granite residues. The specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressing and sintered at temperatures of 1050 and 1200°C. For the microstructural analysis were carried out by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the incorporated ceramics sintered at 1200oC presented higher densification and lower porosity as compared with those sintered at 1050oC.