Abstract
The Kraft process generates several wastes that can be applied in various production processes, replacing commercial raw materials, like lime mud and sand, riches in calcium carbonate and silica, respectively. In this work, a study was carried out to obtain porous ceramics from the valorization of such waste, using polymeric fibers to promote the interconnectivity of pores. According to NBR 10004, the wastes were classified as non-hazardous and inert waste (class II-B). Three fiber contents (12, 20 and 28 vol%) and three different firing temperatures (1100, 1130 and 1160 °C) were tested. The porous ceramics showed a total porosity of 39% to 53%, compressive strength of 15 to 52 MPa, and average pore size of 2.0 to 7.5 μm. They were classified as microfiltration ceramics for the filtration of water and hot gases (aerosols). The formulation with a content of 28 vol% of fibers and sintered at 1160 °C showed the better porosity/compressive strength relation.
Keywords:
porous ceramics; waste valorization; fibers; porosity
