Physical and Mechanical Properties of Fired Bricks from Amazon Bauxite Tailings with Granite Powder
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Bricks remain a cornerstone in the construction industry, typically produced by firing a mixture predominantly comprising clay minerals. In the Amazon region, the processing of bauxite yields significant quantities of tailings rich in clay minerals. This study investigates the feasibility of using bauxite tailings as the primary material for producing fired bricks and evaluates the effects of adding pulverized granite on the properties of these bricks. Utilizing a Box-Behnken experimental design, nine specimens were prepared with varying granite content (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and fired at three different temperatures: 800°C, 900°C, and 1000°C. The bauxite tailing was found to contain gibbsite, kaolinite, Al-goethite, and hematite, while the granite powder comprised quartz, potassium feldspar, sodium plagioclase, muscovite, and occasionally kaolinite. Linear shrinkage values remained within the recommended limits, below 8%. Apparent porosity (AP) results ranged from 60.2% to 72%, with maximum water absorption reaching 23.6%, closely approaching the threshold for ceramic bricks and tiles. The compressive strength of bricks without granite addition was 11.9 MPa, with the highest value recorded at 14.9 MPa when granite was added. These findings indicate that bauxite tailings, when supplemented with pulverized granite, exhibit promising potential for fired brick production, promoting a circular economy in bauxite and granite rock processing.
Source: Ceramics
Institution: Universidade Federal do Pará
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,930
OpenAlex ID: W4409409943