Utilização da lama vermelha como matéria prima para fabricação de cerâmica de revestimento

Abstract

In this study, the influence of the addition of red mud in ceramic masses to produce ceramic tiles was evaluated. Formulations with 20 to 40% in mass content of red mud was developed in association with other raw materials such as clays, kaolin, microsilica, feldspar and phyllite. Test specimens were conformed by pressing and sintered in the range of 1050 0C to 1200 0C, for 15 and 20 min of soaking time, aiming to determine their technological properties: bending strength, water absorption, apparent porosity and linear shrinkage of drying and firing. Results showed that the ceramics obtained by the formulations proposed possessed unique properties, attesting that red mud can be used as alternative raw material to produce ceramic tiles.