Abstract
In this study, by the geopolymerization method, an alternative ceramic was produced using as raw material sludge from water treatment plant (WTP). First, the WTP sludge was dried, milled, sieved and calcined, being characterized before and after such procedures. With the WTP sludge properly calcined, at 750 ° C for 4 h, a geopolymer was produced. The geopolymeric specimens produced was cured at room temperature for 1, 7 and 28 days. After curing, it was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy and axial compression strength. Cured at room temperature, the geopolymer reached, on average, 20 MPa in only 1 day of age and 60 MPa at 28 days. It was verified, therefore, that WTP sludge can be used in the development of ceramic materials of high mechanical resistance. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that the geopolymer produced can be improved and incorporated by the ceramics industries. The process adopted, besides the low energy consumption, proved to be an excellent option for the destination of WTP sludge.
Keywords:
geopolymer; ceramic; WTP sludge disposal; calcination
