The submerged-arc welding process is widely used in the metal-mechanic industry. However, this process generates huge amounts of slag waste. In general, this waste has been disposal in private waste deposits. In recent years, the ceramic area has attracted great attention for recycling of industrial wastes. In this work a study was done aiming evaluate the influence of the welding flux slag waste on the technological properties of multiple use mortar and red ceramics for use in civil construction. The waste sample was characterized regarding to chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, particle size analysis, and real density. The mortar was incorporated with welding flux slag waste in total substitution of natural sand (traditional small aggregate). The prepared mortars were characterized regarding to consistency, fresh state density, incorporated air content, and compressive strength. Microstructural analysis of the mortars was done via SEM. In addition, a series of clay/waste mixtures also was prepared with up to 10 wt.% of welding flux slag waste. The ceramic pieces were prepared by uniaxial pressing and fired between 850 ºC and 950 ºC. The following technological properties after firing were determined: linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent specific mass, and flexural strength. The results show that the welding flux slag waste could replace the natural sand as small aggregate in multiple use mortar. In addition, the welding flux slag waste also could be incorporated into red ceramics (bricks and ceramic blocks) as partial replacement of natural red clay.
welding flux slag; waste; recycling; mortar; red ceramic
