Apparent Porosity Research Articles

Developing Innovative Nano-Engineered Lightweight Foamed Concrete Incorporating Iron Oxide (II, III) with Enhanced Mechanical and Transport Properties

Recently, scientists have focused substantial attention on the incorporation of nanoscale components in cement-based materials. Iron oxide (II, III) nanoparticles (IONPs) have garnered significant attention in nanoparticle research. This paper portrays preliminary discoveries of an investigation assessing the characteristics of foamed concrete (FC) with the presence of IONPs. A comprehensive assessment of characteristics was conducted, including its workability, axial compressive strength, bending strength, tensile strength, apparent porosity and water absorption capacity. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope examination was performed and evaluated. The results indicate a significant enhancement in the FC strength characteristics, with 28-day compressive, tensile, and bending strengths improving by up to 70, 76 and 52 %, respectively, with the inclusion of 3 % IONPs. Nonetheless, adding IONPs beyond 3 % did not yield significant improvements in mechanical properties. With a rise in IONPs from 1 to 5 %, the FC exhibited significant improvements in apparent porosity and water absorption. The decreasing pore size in FC containing IONPs was found to be the cause of the anomalies. A significant alteration in the arrangement of pore dimensions was noted in FC mixtures when the amounts of IONPs were modified. Results from this investigation emphasise the prospective benefits associated with integrating IONPs into FC, that could boost its entire characteristics.

Study of the High-Temperature Sintering Characteristics of Boron Oxide Composite Silicon-Based Ceramics

This paper explores the application of boron oxide (B2O3) as a sintering additive in silicon-based (SiO2) ceramics, focusing on its impact on the sintering process and resulting ceramic properties. Composite silicon-based ceramic shells with boron oxide content ranging from 0 to 4 Wt% were prepared using digital light processing (DLP) technology. This study examines the effects of boron oxide on sintering temperature, apparent porosity, shrinkage rates, and mechanical properties during high-temperature sintering. Experimental results indicate that, as boron oxide content increases, the shrinkage rate of the ceramic samples rises progressively, with shrinkage in the XY direction increasing from 4.57% to 16.40% and in the Z direction from 6.25% to 17.03%. Concurrently, the apparent porosity decreases with higher boron oxide content, ranging from a maximum of 36.17% to a minimum of 23.27%. Bulk density also improves from 1.49 g/cm3 to 1.78 g/cm3. The bending strength trend first rises and then declines, peaking at 15.39 MPa at a boron oxide content of 3 Wt%. X-ray Diffraction and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy analyses confirm that the addition of boron oxide promotes the formation of beta-quartz and that its liquid-phase behavior at high temperatures aids in enhancing ceramic densification. This study demonstrates that an appropriate amount of boron oxide can effectively lower the sintering temperature of silicon-based ceramics while improving their mechanical properties, providing a theoretical foundation and practical basis for broader industrial applications.

Improving the efficiency of polymer solar cells based on chitosan@PVA@rGO composites via gamma-irradiated treatment of rGO nanoparticles

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) are growing as attractive contenders for renewable energy technologies given their low cost, adaptability, and environmental sustainability, rendering them valuable in combating climate change. Interestingly, this work investigates the augmentation of photon absorption and overall efficiency in low-cost, effective active layers (ALs) via gamma irradiation treatment, thereby raising the number of active absorption sites. For the first time, novel Chitosan@PVA@rGO (CPG) composite sheets were created as AL materials and treated to varied dosages of in-situ gamma irradiation (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 KGy) to optimize their microstructural and physicochemical characteristics. The processed ALs were subjected to comprehensive tests, which included J–V variable evaluation as well as evaluations of microstructure, porosity, morphology, contact angle, optical characteristics, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The findings reveal that the composites' surface properties got better gradually as gamma irradiation dosages grew; peak performance was reached at 30 KGy (75.9 % apparent porosity and roughness parameter Ra = 6.22 μm). Extended gamma irradiation resulted in increased DSSC efficiency, which reached 6.85 % after 10 KGy and 7.63 % after 20 KGy. High-energy gamma photons boosted mobility and decreased resistive limits by reducing carrier recombination and facilitating charge carrier movement inside CPG compounds. This increased the longevity and charge transfer efficiency of the solar cell. After 30 KGy alteration, the CPG AL's optimized efficiency of 8.78 % and Jsc of 20.23 mA/cm2 indicate a 44.3 % improvement in efficacy over the pristine material. The insertion of oxygen-enriched free radicals into the CPG structure is responsible for the improvement in photovoltaic efficiency because it creates continuous pathways for fast electron transport. This work provides an innovative perspective on the use of heteroatom-doped ALs in PSCs by highlighting the benefits of co-doping and regulated heteroatom species.

LOW-TEMPERATURE SYNTHESIS OF FINE-POROUS CORUNDUM BASED ON INCORPORATED GRAPHENE NANOSTRUCTURES

In the present paper, the effect of the addition of graphene nanostructures and 3 mass % TiO2 on the microstructure and properties of sintered corundum ceramics were studied. Fine-porous corundum ceramics were obtained by the method of solid-phase sintering at relatively low temperatures of 1450oC, by adding graphene nanostructures in an amount of 2 % or 20 %. To lower the synthesis temperature, 3 mass % TiO2 was added to the initial ceramic blends. As a result of the solid solution formed between Al2O3 and TiO2, a well-sintered corundum ceramic is obtained at synthesis temperature lower than that of pure corundum - 1450oС. For the characterization of the initial blends and the ceramic samples, the methods of X-ray phase analysis, infrared spectroscopy, SEM, TEM EDS and visual microscopy were used. Besides, the basic physicochemical properties of the samples synthesized based on corundum were determined, e.g. water absorption (WA, %), apparent density (AD, %) and apparent (open) porosity (Pa, %).

Preparation and properties of lightweight aluminum silicate-based fibrous ceramic membranes with different binder contents for high-temperature dust removal

Fibrous ceramic membranes are widely regarded as ideal hot-gas filtration media due to their unique three-dimensional network structure. In this work, deionized water and sodium lignosulfonate (NaLS) were respectively introduced into the preparation of fibrous ceramic membranes, with aluminum silicate fibers used as the matrix skeleton and silica sol used as the high-temperature binder. Their effects on the binder content, morphology, structural parameters, and mechanical properties were investigated and compared, and then the application performance of the preferred sample was evaluated. The results indicated that the addition of both significantly reduced the binder content, resulting in decreased bulk density and increased apparent porosity. Notably, compared to the addition of water, the addition of NaLS effectively preserved the binder content at the junctions between fibers so that the flexural strength and stiffness were barely affected, which benefits from the decrease in the viscosity of the binder liquid under the action of electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance. Moreover, the preferred prepared fibrous ceramic membrane exhibited high-performance characteristics, such as superior thermal shock resistance, low pressure drop, and high filtration efficiency and pulse-jet cleaning efficiency, thereby offering considerable prospects for practical applications.

The mechanical and dielectric properties of high-density Ti-doped MgAl2O4 ceramic prepared by non-hydrolytic sol-gel combined with mechanochemical method

The synthesis of MgAl2O4 requires high calcination temperatures which generally result in larger grain sizes and smaller specific surface areas. These factors pose challenges in achieving high-density MgAl2O4 ceramic. This study introduces an innovative approach that has successfully sintered MgAl2O4 ceramic at 1500 ℃ with MgAl2O4 powder prepared using a Non-Hydrolytic Sol-Gel (NHSG) method combined with a mechanochemical method. The sintered MgAl2O4 ceramic with 2 wt% TiCl4 doping displays an apparent porosity of only 0.09 %, a flexural strength of 183 MPa, a relative permittivity of 8.7, a quality factor of 77000 GHz, and a frequency temperature coefficient of −59.4 ppm/℃. The introduction of titanium ions causes lattice distortion and cationic vacancies, which promotes sintering and improves the mechanical and dielectric properties of the resulting ceramic. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of NHSG combined with the mechanochemical method in preparing MgAl2O4 ceramic with enhanced sintering properties.

Effect of curing temperature, silica fume, and waste tire rubber aggregate on material characterization of lightweight geopolymer composite

This study investigates the potential effect of curing temperature (80 °C and 100 °C), the effect of using waste tire rubber aggregates (WTRA), and silica fume (SF) on the properties of lightweight geopolymer (LG) composite. In LG, SF replaced 20 % of the ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), and WTRA replaced pumice aggregate to varying degrees (15 %, 30 %, and 45 % by volume). The physical properties of the LG composite were assessed through apparent porosity, water absorption, and hardened density. The mechanical properties were examined by testing compressive strength (CS) and flexural strength (FS). The effect of high temperature (300 °C and 600 °C) was examined on CS and mass loss of LG composite. The durability of the LG composite was analyzed using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), capillary water absorption, freeze-thaw, and thermal conductivity. The material characterization of the composite was done using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential thermogravimetry (DTG) curves. After 28 days, LG composites showed increased porosity and water absorption with the increased WTRA and SF, with higher values at 100 °C. Compressive and flexural strengths decreased with the increased WTRA and SF, especially at higher temperatures. The TGA-DTG curves show that the LG-0–80 mix had the lowest mass loss (15.25 % at 400°C and 19.36 % at 600 °C), while the LG-SF-45–100 mix had the highest mass loss (22.22 % and 24.53 %, respectively). XRD and TGA-DTG analyses reveal that using SF increases Ca(OH)₂ peaks and alters the geopolymer composition, improving the mechanical performance of the LG-SF-0–80 mix and enhancing the thermal stability of the composites.

Enhanced mechanical and dielectric properties of Si3N4−BN composite ceramics fabricated via reaction re-sinteirng process

Dense Si3N4−BN composite ceramics were synthesized using reaction re-sintering method which involved an in-situ reactive sintering followed by a re-sintering process, employing Si3N4 and SiB6 powders as raw materials. Initially, SiB6 underwent nitridation to form Si3N4 and BN during the in suit reactive sintering. Subsequently, the pores between the Si3N4 and BN grains were significantly removed during the re-sintering stage, facilitating the strong integration of Si3N4 and BN grains within the composite ceramics. The re-sintering process significantly enhanced both the density and mechanical properties of the composite ceramics. The generated BN grains were uniformly distributed throughout the Si3N4 matrix, thereby improving both the machinability and dielectric properties. The composite ceramics with 20 wt.% BN demonstrated excellent mechanical and dielectric properties, characterized by a low apparent porosity of 3.8%, a high flexural strength of 315.6 MPa, a Vickers hardness of 5.0 GPa, a low dielectric constant of 5.02, and a loss tangent ranging from 1× 10-3 to 2.5 × 10-3 at frequencies between 8.2 and 12.4 GHz.

Sintering behavior and thermal shock resistance of MgO-Mg2SiO4 refractories by co-doped silica fume and quicklime

To solve the serious environmental pollution of low-grade magnesite tailings, MgO-Mg2SiO4 refractories were prepared by low-grade magnesite tailings, materials and silica fume and quicklime as raw materials. The effects of calcium-silicate ratio (mol ratio) on the phase composition, microstructure, sintering behavior and thermal shock resistance of MgO-Mg2SiO4 refractories were investigated. When calcium-silicate ratio was 5/5, the samples showed the optimum bulk density and apparent porosity of 2.81 g/cm3 and 16.37 %, respectively. Controlled the calcium-silicate ratio of samples to 5/5 significantly improved the thermal shock resistance of samples, the residual compressive strength rate of 69.78 % and the residual flexural strength rate of 19.86 %, while the thermal parameter R was 34.45. The improvement in the thermal shock resistance can be attributed to the bonding phase transformation from monticellite phase to forsterite phase, thereby enhancing the bond strength between aggregate and matrix.

Evaluation of the Structure of Dry Soil, Subjected to Dynamic Load in Different Managements

The structural evaluation of agricultural soil is essential for the performance and quality of production. Soils suffer surface consolidation when subjected to agricultural machinery traffic and alter their physical characteristics according to the management to which it is subjected. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the physical indices and surface consolidation of a red oxisol subjected to different loads and types of management. Undeformed soil samples were collected from three areas with different management systems: no-tillage, crop-livestock--forest integrated system (CLFI), and pasture area. Traffic simulations were conducted with application of dynamic loads, using 0 pass, 1 pass, and 2 passes (0, 108, and 216 kpa), evaluating the physical indices of the soil's natural specific weight (yn), dry apparent specific weight (yd), void index (n), and porosity (e). Subsequently, the samples were subjected to uniaxial compression tests using loads (108, 216, 432, 864, and 1500 Kpa) to verify the surface consolidation. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with a 3x3x5 factorial scheme in sub-subdivided plots. Thus, we verified that the no-tillage management system has a more porous soil due to its characteristics, presenting lower resistance and being better for planting. CLFI was characterized as a management that allowed the soil to be more resistant to the application of loads and, therefore, less porous. Pasture has an intermediate behavior.

A case study of crushed stone for road construction application: amphibolite and basalt varieties from Croatia

Crushed stone is one of the most exploited and important mineral raw material. Emphasis is given to determination of mineralogical and petrographic properties, of two genetically different rocks of silicate composition, commonly used as crushed stone for road constructions, as their physical properties depend on them. First is amphibolite from Vetovo, and second is basalt from Vratnik locality, both sourced from Croatia. Tests conducted according to European and Croatian norms evaluated the real and apparent density, open and total porosity, and water absorption of stones. The relationship between mineralogical and physical properties led to the following conclusions: the open porosity values of amphibolite samples are low, which is a consequence of the medium to high degree of metamorphism, (plagioclase and hornblenda), sosiritization, and undisturbed rock features. The total water saturation was achieved in a brief time, confirming this statement. The basalts have different porosity and water absorption values, which are consequences of differences their textural-structural properties (glassy, intersertal or intergranular groundmass), amount of amygdules, presence or absence of chlorite/volcanic glass. Furthermore, the percentage of plagioclase in the modal composition differs, and the plagioclase itself has been altered, and the amount of clay, sericite and calcite vary in two different varieties of basalt. Compared to amphibolites, basalts have notably higher water absorption values as well. Accordingly, the studied amphibolite has water absorption less than 0.5% and is suitable for use in a road construction application for wearing course in the asphalt pavement, and studied basalt is not.

Kinetics of Oxidation of an Al2O3–SiC–C‐Based Blast Furnace Trough Refractory in Air

During tapping of liquid hot‐metal from the blast‐furnace, the blast‐furnace main trough gets exposed to air and the blast‐furnace‐trough refractory becomes prone to oxidation. In this work, isothermal oxidation kinetics of an Al2O3–SiC–C‐based BFT (Blast‐Furnace‐Trough) refractory castable using a high‐temperature vertical tubular furnace equipped with a microbalance is investigated. Herein, it is observed that up to about 800 °C, carbon only oxidizes, resulting in weight loss in the refractory. Around 900 °C, SiC also starts to oxidize via the passive‐oxidation mechanism, leading to the formation of a mullite phase as a result of the reaction between SiO2 generated via passive oxidation and Al2O3 already present in the refractory. This causes a volume expansion and weight gain, both having a beneficial effect on the refractory performance, which is further validated from apparent porosity measurements. Thus, above 900 °C, simultaneous oxidation of C and passive oxidation of SiC occurs, which eventually stabilizes the weight of the refractory. Around 1100 °C, the oxidation process of the refractory is practically complete, with no further increase in the oxidation rate beyond 1100 °C. The activation energy for the oxidation process is obtained as 37.2 ± 5 kJ mol−1 in the temperature range 600–1150 °C.

Formation of Bio-based Derived Dicalcium Silicate Ceramics via Mechanochemical Treatment: Physical, XRD, SEM and FTIR Analyses

Beta-dicalcium silicate plays an important role in modern technology, but its tendency for polymorphic transformation results in the dusting phenomenon, is a major challenge. Therefore, mechanochemical treatment is used to reduce the particle size to retain the stability of the polymorph. In this study, pure dicalcium silicate ceramics of β-monoclinic structure with P 121/c1 space group were synthesized using calcium oxide and silicate powders derived from calcined eggshells and rice husks, respectively. The powders were mixed in a 2:1 molar ratio by mechanochemical treatment and heat-treated in the air at temperatures ranging from 900°C to 1100°C for 2 h. The results reveal that pure betadicalciumsilicate formed at 1100°C without adding stabilizers. The properties of the pristine and sintered bodies were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM revealed that the grain and pore sizes increase with rising sintering temperatures. FTIR spectra indicate the existence of Si-O bonds in -4 4 SiO tetrahedrons on all the samples. The sample sintered at 1000°C attains the lowest bulk density (1.2463 g/cm3), whereas the apparent porosity is the highest (62.5%). The reason for this trend is due to the decomposition of carbonate into CO2 gas. The densification onset for the sample sintered at 1100°C as the bulk density rises and grain size achieves 6.06 μm. This study further explains the effect of sintering temperatures on the physical, structural, and morphological properties of Ca2SiO4 which would also be useful for further optimization of its use.

Evaluation of Clayey Raw Materials and Ceramic Masses from Ceramic Building Material Companies Located in Northeastern Brazil

The challenge of improving the quality of ceramic products is faced worldwide, especially in areas where artisanal production is common and the need for in-depth knowledge about raw materials, together with inefficient production processes, limits the advancement of the ceramic industry. Scientifically, detailed investigation of ceramic masses’ physical, chemical and mechanical properties can provide essential insights to optimize production, contribute to developing more advanced and sustainable techniques, and increase competitiveness. This study evaluated raw clay materials and ceramic masses obtained from northeastern Brazilian, focusing on their chemical composition, mineralogical phases, thermal behavior, and particle size distribution. Rectangular samples (80 mm × 20 mm × 7 mm) prepared using uniaxial pressing (25 MPa by 30 s) were fired at different temperatures (950 and 1050 °C) and linear shrinkage, flexural strength, water absorption, and apparent porosity measurements were taken. The results showed that the companies still need to improve the production process to meet the minimum strength requirement of 1.5 MPa according to the Brazilian standard NBR 15270.

Production of lightweight geopolymer concrete with foam glass aggregate derived from cathode-ray glass waste

This work focused on producing an eco-friendly lightweight structure by recycling the cathode ray tube glass waste (CRT-GW)to prepare a foam glass aggregate (FGA) and using metakaolin to prepare a geopolymer binder (GP). The geopolymer binder replaces cement to decrease the release of gas generated during cement production. The silicon carbide (SiC) was used as a foaming agent at 1 wt% to prepare the FGA. The foaming temperature effect was investigated for the FGA characterization included: bulk density, volume expansion, apparent porosity, uniaxial compressive strength, and leaching tests for lead and barium. The foam glass aggregate was sintered at different temperatures 725 °C, 750 °C, 775 °C, and 800 °C. These temperatures were selected depending on heating microscopy analysis results, where the maximum expansion height was 119 % at 800 °C. The main characterization ranges of foam glass were: bulk density 0.58–1.26 g/cm3, volume expansion 8–77 (vol%), uniaxial compressive strengths 1.55–9.98 MPa, and thermal conductivity 0.063–0.097 W/m.K.The lightweight geopolymer (LWGP) was prepared with 30 vol% of FGA sintered at different temperatures and 70 vol% of GP. These samples hardened at room temperature. The bulk density and compressive strength were measured for the lightweight geopolymer samples after a curing time of 28 days. A higher compressive strength was 9.11 MPa with a bulk density of 1.21 g/cm3 for lightweight geopolymer-containing foam glass aggregate sintered at 775 °C.

Valorization of Different Clays Used in the Treatment of Oily Wastewater in the Development of Construction Products

AbstractThe aim of this research is to study the feasibility of using clays used in the decontamination of wastewater containing olive oil wastewater (OOW), new lubricating oil (NOW) or motor oil (MOW) in the manufacture of ceramic bricks. Three types of clays were used for filtration, kaolinite type clay (KT), smectite type clay (CT) both from Tunisia and illitic chloritic clay (CS) from Jaén (Spain). These clays containing different types of oils, as well as the control clays, were used in the manufacture of bricks fired at 900 °C. These bricks were characterized by physical, mechanical and thermal tests. The sintered microstructure’s evolution was followed by tracked through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The results indicate that the specific type of clay used influences the technological characteristics of the bricks. The use of CT clay gives rise to increase bulk density, greater compressive strength, and reduced apparent porosity and water absorption. The use of clays used in the decontamination of water containing oils produced a decrease in bulk density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity and leads to an increase in apparent porosity and water absorption in the order OOW > NOW > MOW according to the total organic carbon content (TOC). Therefore, the use of clays used in the filtration of water that contain different oils can represent a promising way of valorizing this waste, which can alleviate the environmental impact and represents economic savings for the industry of construction materials with properties of thermal insulation, getting closer to a circular economy.

2D nonlinear inversion of DC resistivity measurements, a case study; southeastern part of Ras El Dabaa, Northwestern coast, Egypt

The southern Mediterranean coast suffers from limited water resources as a result of exploitation of water supply, population growth, and climate change. Spatial lineaments and Seawater Intrusion (SWI) were detected at the southeast portion of Ras El Dabaa, on Egypt’s northwest coast, using the direct current resistivity (DCR) method. The Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data were acquired using Schlumberger array along four profiles and inverted both independently and jointly, aiming to obtain Two Dimensional (2D) geoelectrical images. The results of the one Dimensional (1D) inversion of VES data at each profile were stitched to form pseudo-2D sections on which the resistivity values and aquifer thickness in the southwest of the region appeared to be generally increasing, indicating a potential improvement in water quality.However, the results did not fully image the lateral variation but focused on the horizontal boundaries of the subsurface. On the contrary, the results of 2D inversion of the same data sets successfully managed to provide images that depicted resistivity distribution in both lateral and vertical directions. The detected sets of lineaments and fractured zones within the oolitic limestone and fossiliferous limestone units control the occurrence of groundwater in the region. The 2D inversion scheme revealed a low resistivity zone that indicated the presence of SWI and/or the dissolution of marine salts from the marine limestone bedrock of these aquifers in the northern portions of the studied area. Additionally, analysis of the 2D apparent porosity section shows how aquifers are connected by secondary porosity, which is defined by structures that resemble channels. The current approach offers valuable structural information for future planning and development of such complex geological coastal locations, taking into consideration the vulnerability of the groundwater system.

Porosity and pore morphology characteristics of zirconia-alumina bioceramics

AbstractManufacturing ceramic green structures using starch consolidation casting is an established process that is simple, non-hazard, and low-cost. In this study, starch consolidation casting is used to prepare ceramics based on submicron monoclinic zirconia with additions of alumina and magnesia. Scanning electron microscopy results indicate that the size of pores decreased and the morphological irregularity increased when the tapioca starch content increased. The sample with 30 wt.% tapioca starch in a 55 wt.% slurry concentration had the highest estimated apparent porosity (around 56%), whereas the sample with 10 wt.% in a 68 wt.% suspension concentration had the lowest (about 35%).

Lightweight porous Al2O3‐based ceramics with highly controllable performance via binder jetting

AbstractThis study introduces a feasible approach for preparing Al2O3‐based ceramics with highly controllable performance via binder jetting. The Al2O3‐based ceramics were prepared using Al2O3 and H3BO3 as raw materials. The results showed that the samples prepared with 0.24 mol H3BO3 exhibited high apparent porosity (64%–66.67%), well‐bending strength (3.46–8.53 MPa), and low thermal conductivity (0.113–0.329 W·m−1·k−1 at 200–800°C). It was observed by an electron microscope that the increase of boric acid content led to the in‐situ formation of more aluminum borate grains in the sample. Meanwhile, the remaining Al2O3 reacts with silicon oxide in the impregnation solution to form mullite whiskers. The whiskers ensured that the sample had superior mechanical properties and lower thermal conductivities. Based on the above properties, the possibility of Al2O3‐based ceramics application in the aerospace field can be speculated.

Recovery of mining and agri-food wastes in fired materials: a case study of the Moroccan industry.

The linear economy follows the "take-make-dispose" model and generates huge amounts of waste without consideration for recycling or reuse. This model which deals with raw materials puts pressure on natural resources and creates a serious environmental impact. In a circular economy, the "reduce-reuse-recycle" model is applied to recycle waste into resources and reduce the impact on the environment and society. This work aims to highlight the significance of implementing a circular economy approach in the construction sector by merging two different production lines, notably mining activity and agri-food industry. The investigation presents sustainable management of coal mine waste (CMW) and olive pomace (OP) in the production of eco-friendly fired materials and introduces an innovative approach for manufacturing lightweight fired bricks. Microstructural, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were determined to evaluate the technological quality of fired materials at 900°C. As a pore-forming agent, adding 10 wt% OP yielded specimens with a bulk density of 1552kg/m3, water absorption of 19.80%, apparent porosity of 29.61%, loss on ignition of 26.98%, and compressive strength of 7.08MPa, satisfying standards for clay masonry units. Simultaneously, it enhances the thermal insulation by reducing thermal conductivity by 18% compared to the control sample with CMW. In this regard, the transition to a greener construction sector necessitates the immediate implementation of a circular economy approach to developing eco-friendly building materials by recovering large amounts of industrial waste, limiting the overuse of natural resources (e.g., clays), and improving the engineering properties of the final product.