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Sustainable Lightweight Aggregates from Diatomite Residue

Author

Listed:
  • Maelson Mendonça de Souza

    (Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59015-000, Brazil
    Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil)

  • Normando Perazzo Barbosa

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
    Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil)

  • Marcos Alyssandro Soares dos Anjos

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
    Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil
    Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58015-435, Brazil)

  • Evilane Cássia de Farias

    (Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59015-000, Brazil)

  • João Gabriel Cruz Aguiar

    (Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal 59015-000, Brazil)

  • José Anselmo da Silva Neto

    (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, Brazil)

  • Cinthia Maia Pederneiras

    (Buildings Department, National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, 1700-066 Lisbon, Portugal)

Abstract

This study assessed the feasibility of producing lightweight aggregates (LWAs) using diatomite waste (DW) as a clay substitute. The research aimed to reduce the consumption of natural resources and minimise the environmental impacts caused by the disorderly disposal of DW. Chemical, physical, and mechanical tests were carried out on six formulations of mixtures containing 50% to 100% DW, sintered between 1100 and 1250 °C, resulting in 24 samples. The aggregates had a particle density between 1.14 and 2.13 g/cm 3 , a maximum bloating index of 5.7%, a crushing strength of up to 11.14 MPa, and a mass loss of up to 8.7%. Minimum porosity of 2.8 percent and water absorption of 2.0 percent were observed. Sixteen samples met the criteria required for commercial applications, demonstrating that replacing clay with DW is technically feasible. The high porosity of DW was found to influence the density of the LWAs. The findings of this study highlight the environmental sustainability of using DW as an alternative raw material, contributing to circular economy strategies in the construction sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Maelson Mendonça de Souza & Normando Perazzo Barbosa & Marcos Alyssandro Soares dos Anjos & Evilane Cássia de Farias & João Gabriel Cruz Aguiar & José Anselmo da Silva Neto & Cinthia Maia Pederneiras, 2025. "Sustainable Lightweight Aggregates from Diatomite Residue," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(14), pages 1-28, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:14:p:6508-:d:1703134
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Narinder Singh & Jehangeer Raza & Francesco Colangelo & Ilenia Farina, 2024. "Advancements in Lightweight Artificial Aggregates: Typologies, Compositions, Applications, and Prospects for the Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(21), pages 1-30, October.
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    3. Denis Alcides Rezende & Luis André Wernecke Fumagalli & Hugh Bartling & Godswill Udoh Okon & Andrés Ruiz Gallego, 2025. "Sustainable City Strategies for Strategic Digital City Project in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Context," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-21, June.
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    8. Yee Cheng Lim & Chih-Feng Chen & Chiu-Wen Chen & Cheng-Di Dong, 2023. "Valorization of Dredged Harbor Sediments through Lightweight Aggregate Production: Application of Waste Oyster Shells," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-13, March.
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