The welding industry generates huge amounts of slag waste from the submerged-arc welding flux, which needs an adequate methodology for its final disposal. This waste is a non-biodegradable material that when disposed generates polluition and environmental damage. This work studied the physical-mechanical properties of technological interest of ceramic bodies containing welding slag waste. Ceramic formulations containing a kaolinitic sedimentary clay and up to 10 wt.% waste were prepared. Rectangular ceramic bodies were prepared by uniaxial pressing and fired at a peak temperature of 950 ºC. The following properties after firing were determined: linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent density and flexural strength. The results revealed that the welding slag waste influenced the technological properties, as well as can be used in ceramic formulations for manufacturing of red ceramic.
Welding slag; waste; traditional ceramic; properties
