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Evaluating Porcelain Polishing Waste as a Pyro-Expansive Agent in Clay Formulations for Sustainable Lightweight Aggregates

Author

Listed:
  • Vitória Silva Martins de Oliveira

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

  • José Anselmo da Silva Neto

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

  • Gustavo Lira do Nascimento

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

  • Marcos Alyssandro Soares dos Anjos

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Federal Institute of Paraíba (IFPB), João Pessoa 58015-430, Brazil)

  • Ricardo Peixoto Suassuna Dutra

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

  • Cinthia Maia Pederneiras

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

Abstract

This study addresses the use of porcelain polishing waste as a pyro-expansive agent in clay-based formulations for the production of lightweight aggregates, aiming to reduce the consumption of natural resources and mitigate environmental impacts. In line with circular economy principles and sustainable construction goals, this study investigates the potential use of porcelain polishing waste as a pyro-expansive agent in clay-based formulations for producing sustainable lightweight aggregates. Using the Taguchi method and ANOVA, the effects of key processing parameters were evaluated. The results demonstrated a broad range of volumetric changes, from shrinkage of 40.84% to expansion of 91.69%, depending on the formulation and processing conditions. The aggregates exhibited specific mass values ranging from 0.99 g/cm 3 to 2.36 g/cm 3 , water absorption up to 3.29%, and mechanical strength from 4.57 MPa to 39.87 MPa. Notably, nine of the sixteen experimental conditions met the technical standards for classification as LWA, indicating suitability for applications in high-strength, structural, and non-structural lightweight concretes, as well as lightweight mortars. The performance of these materials was directly linked to the chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the precursors and the proportion of pyro-expansive waste used. Overall, the findings suggest that 50% of the produced aggregates are viable for high-performance concrete applications, offering an environmentally responsible alternative to virgin raw materials and contributing to sustainable waste valorization in the ceramic and construction industries.

Suggested Citation

  • Vitória Silva Martins de Oliveira & José Anselmo da Silva Neto & Gustavo Lira do Nascimento & Marcos Alyssandro Soares dos Anjos & Ricardo Peixoto Suassuna Dutra & Cinthia Maia Pederneiras, 2025. "Evaluating Porcelain Polishing Waste as a Pyro-Expansive Agent in Clay Formulations for Sustainable Lightweight Aggregates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7385-:d:1725250
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Francisco Javier López-Acevedo & María Josefa Herrero & José Ignacio Escavy Fernández & José González Bravo, 2024. "Potential Reduction in Carbon Emissions in the Transport of Aggregates by Switching from Road-Only Transport to an Intermodal Rail/Road System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-20, November.
    2. Maja Kępniak & Paweł Łukowski, 2024. "Multicriteria Analysis of Cement Mortar with Recycled Sand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-13, February.
    3. José Anselmo da Silva Neto & Marcos Alyssandro Soares dos Anjos & Ricardo Peixoto Suassuna Dutra & Maelson Mendonça de Souza & Cinthia Maia Pederneiras, 2025. "Development of Sustainable Artificial Lightweight Aggregates with Binary Mixtures of Waste Rich in Aluminosilicate and Carbonate in Kaolinitic Clay," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-32, February.
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