The solid residue (sludge) generated in the treatment of effluents from industrial laundries was used for the full-scale production of ceramic sealing blocks, in the proportions of 0% (reference) and 20% with respect to the ceramic body. After firing in industrial scale, the mechanical strength and water absorption properties of the ceramic blocks were determined. The ceramic blocks produced with laundry sludge showed lower mechanical strength than the reference blocks. On the other hand, the amount of absorbed water increased when the sludge was added to the blocks. The results showed that the sludge from industrial laundries may be incorporated in the ceramic body, up to 20%, for the production of ceramic sealing blocks.
laundry sludge; mechanical strength; water absorption; ceramic sealing block
