This work has for objective to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of waste from the paper production, in up to 10 wt % on the properties and microstructure of a clayey body used in the fabrication of bricks. The raw materials, the paper waste and the clayey body were, respectively, obtained from the area of Santo Antônio de Pádua and Campos dos Goytacazes, north of the State of Rio de Janeiro. Specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressing at 20 MPa before firing at 750 °C. The evaluated physical and mechanical properties were: linear shrinkage, water absorption and flexural strength. The microstructure of the ceramics was evaluated by SEM. The results showed that the waste addition changes the physical and mechanical properties of the ceramic, generating a deleterious effect on the water absorption and flexural rupture strength for incorporations above 5 wt %. By contrast, incorporations of 3 wt % of the waste were found to be a viable alternative for the final disposal of waste from the paper production.
Red ceramic; microstructure; properties; paper waste
