This article shows the results of an investigation focused on the elaboration of ceramic brick prototypes from mixtures of two types of gold mining waste from the Northeast of Antioquia: the first one consists of a clay layer generated from alluvial operations (RA) and the second one consists of flotation tails (RF) generated from the benefit of grain ore. The proportions by weight of the waste used in this project were 0, 5, 10, and 15 RF and with RA to be completed; the different samples were formed by pressing at 3 MPa and then sintered at 1050 °C for 3 h. The elemental composition of the two residues was determined by the X-ray fluorescence technique and the crystalline phases of both the raw materials and the sintered bricks using the X-ray diffraction technique. The modulus of rupture, percentage of moisture absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density were determined for the different prototypes of sintered bricks. The results for the brick prototypes manufactured with the different mixtures were compared with those presented by a prototype manufactured under the same conditions with a typical clay for brick manufacturing in the region (AP), and with the criteria required by the NTC standard 4017, which governs the quality parameters of non-structural masonry materials. Finally, it was found that there is an effect caused by an increase in the percentage by weight of RF, on the burning contraction of brick prototypes; there is no significant effect on the modulus of rupture generated by the change in the percentage of RF.
Tópico:
Recycling and utilization of industrial and municipal waste in materials production