Study of the Potentiality of Residue from Kaolin Industry as Ceramic Raw Material to Produce Porcelanate Gres

Abstract

The recycling of industrial residues has being intensified all over the world, mainly due to the increase of the impact to the environment, and the growing volume of solid residues that put in risk the public health and degrade the natural resources. So, the aim of this work is to study the potentiality of the residue from kaolin industry, as ceramic raw material to produce porcelanate gres. A composition was formulated, mixed and forming by pressing (from 30 MPa to 50 MPa). After, it was sinterized at temperatures of 1180°C, 1200°C, 1220°C and 1240°C. The samples were submitted to physical and mechanical tests and characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The preliminary results from physical and mechanical properties showed that the residue can be used to produce porcelanate gres according to Brasilian Norms (NBR 13818), at temperatures of 1220°C and 1240°C.