Abstract:
In the red ceramic industry, the large amount of waste produced generates concern about its proper disposal. One way to reuse the waste generated in the burning of the ceramic manufacturing process, rich in silica and alumina, is in the development of a geopolymeric binder with cementing properties. The use of tailings can replace that of the commonly used metakaolin, generating savings for the process. Therefore, in the present work, the objective was to develop a geopolymer cement with the chamotte residue used as precursor and as activating solutions sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate. The specimens were molded as cylinders in the dimensions of 2.5 x 5.0 cm, varying the proportion of metakaolin and chamotte, for later comparison with samples made only with metakaolin. Chemical characterizations of the samples were carried out through X-ray fluorescence, EDS and SEM and the physical characteristics were analyzed with data of apparent density, water absorption, voids index, specific mass and saturated specific mass. As for the mechanization characterization, a compression test was performed. Water absorption is directly linked to the material's porosity, and the high value of 20.81% found may explain the low values of mechanical strength of the material obtained, as well as a better analysis of the solid / liquid ratio.