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Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Brazil is known worldwide as one of the main producers of ornamental stones, which generates a significant amount of waste. Since 1990, research has been carried out on the use of these wastes in ceramic artifacts and other materials, with promising results, which point to a more sustainable production, with a reduction in the deposition of wastes in nature and better quality products. In this context, the objective of this work was to analyze the economic viability of transporting and directing waste from ornamental stone processing companies to the red ceramic industries, focusing on some companies in the southern region of the state of Espírito Santo. Data were collected on the locations of stone companies, ceramic industries and waste landfills, as well as information on the distances between them and the costs involved in transporting and depositing waste in landfills. The results indicated that, for 87% of the stone processing companies in the region, directing waste to the red ceramic industries is more economically viable than deposition in landfills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Exacta is the property of Exacta - Engenharia de Producao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One of the significant challenges of the ceramics industry is to increase the corrosion resistance of ceramic materials, and the study of this corrosion requires a detailed investigation using several characterization methods, such as the knowledge of technological properties including the absorption, apparent porosity, and mechanical resistance of these ceramic materials. This corrosion resistance can be further improved by using a protective coating on the surface of ceramic materials, such as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), which has been used as a green, environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. This work investigated the inhibitory action of CNSL on the corrosion of ceramic materials. Clay from the Brazilian Northeast was used in a simulated seawater environment at room temperature for the immersion corrosion test. Sets of prismatic specimens bathed in CNSL were immersed in a corrosive solution and compared with other samples without CNSL immersed in a corrosive environment. At the end of 70 days in corrosive solution, the ceramic specimens without CNSL showed signs of wear on the surface, associated with an average mass loss of 20 mg and an average corrosive rate of 0.017 mm/year. On the other hand, the bodies bathed in CNSL showed no mass loss, reinforcing the potential of CNSL as a protective agent against corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fast drying (~60 min) is useful for optimizing production processes by increasing productivity and reducing costs and environmental impacts, especially in red ceramic industries in Brazil. However, suitable clays are necessary and, currently, studies focused on the plastic behaviour of clays with compositions suitable for extrusion, especially for fast drying, are scarce. Therefore, in this study, three different clays from the same mineral deposit were studied for producing clay-based structural products via fast drying. The clays were characterized according to their chemical, mineralogical and thermal properties, particle size, cation-exchange capacity, specific surface area and open pore volume distribution. Ten formulations were developed using a simplex-centroid mixture design of experiments and their plasticity index (PI) values were determined. The response surfaces of the formulations were evaluated according to their PI, while the formation characteristics were determined according to their extrusion workability factor values. Formulations F5 (50.0 wt.% yellow clay and 50.0 wt.% green clay) and F8 (66.6 wt.% yellow clay, 16.7 wt.% grey clay and 16.7 wt.% green clay; PI = 15.5-16.6%) displayed optimal extrusion properties, followed by formulations F7 (33.3 wt.% yellow clay, 33.3 wt.% grey clay and 33.3 wt.% green clay) and F10 (16.7 wt.% yellow clay, 16.7 wt.% grey clay and 66.6 wt.% green clay; PI = 13.8-14.2%), which are within acceptable extrusion index values. Thus, the chosen formulations have significant potential for use in the manufacture of fast-drying red ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to mitigate environmental impacts generated by both the ceramic industry and civil construction, this paper aims to analyze the technical feasibility of using ceramic material waste as an alternative material for the production of lining mortars. Thus, the methodology of this work was developed from the production of coating mortars with replacement of the natural fine aggregate by red ceramic waste in the proportions of 0%, 20%, 50% and 100% of fine aggregate, evaluating the performance in the fresh and hardened state of the mortars. In the fresh state, the substitutions reduced the spread and the mass density of the mortars. In the hardened state, the substitutions of 50% and 100% positively influenced both the compressive strength and flexural tensile strength, increasing significantly compared to the reference mortars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Management Analysis / Revista Gestão em Análise is the property of Revista Gestao em Analise and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Brazil is one of the largest producers of ornamental stones in the world. The state of Espírito Santo has considerable social and economic relevance in the production of ornamental stones, particularly in exportation and the jobs that are directly related to this industry. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of ornamental stone waste on the physical and mechanical properties of red ceramic manufactured using clays and waste from the state of Espírito Santo, and to collaborate to regulate the use of this ornamental stone waste in the ceramic industry when manufacturing products. Ornamental stone wastes were incorporated into the ceramic mass in the following proportions: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% by weight. In the elaborated compositions, specimens were prepared by extrusion and were fired at 1050 °C and 1100 °C. After firing, the physical and mechanical properties of the material were analyzed using density, water absorption, porosity, linear shrinkage and mechanical strength. The results indicated an improvement in the properties of the ceramics with the addition of the waste by mass for the two temperatures. Therefore, the lower temperature (1050 °C) can be used to sinter the materials produced whilst obtaining satisfactory results and saving electrical energy. Ornamental stone waste has very promising applications in the ceramic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unbalanced energy consumption in the production of ceramic artifacts is responsible for considerable undesirable impacts, such as increased emissions of polluting gases, excessive consumption of fuel materials, land degradation, and unpredictable financial costs. By contrast, the practice of optimizing the ceramic sintering, which in associated with firing of high temperature, can result in increased productivity and reduced production costs preserving an environmentally friendly production system. Moreover, it allows further improvements in the quality of the final product. This work compares the effect of different sintering cycles, with heating rates of 2, 15, and 30 °C/min, on the technological properties of a Brazilian industrial clay ceramic body. Initially the clay ceramic specimens were characterized in terms of mineralogical, chemical, and physical properties. Specimens were prepared by extrusion and fired at temperatures of 800, 900, and 1000 °C. The evaluated properties by standard tests were water absorption, post-firing linear shrinkage, and flexural strength. It was found that owing to sintering carried out at higher heating rates, red ceramic products with superior technological properties were obtained. This is an unprecedented conclusion for common clay ceramics produced in Brazil. Based on the promising obtained results, in a clear and detailed way, the benefits of rapid sintering cycle application for conventional brick production are evidenced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research is to analyze the mechanical resistance to compression of conventional specimens and specimens with the addition of red ceramic and waste of ethylene poly terephthalate (PET). The methodology applied has been based on the experimental dosage method of the São Paulo State Technology Research Institute (IPT). Three traces have been made: rich trace (1:0.5:3.5:0.45), medium trace (1:0.8:4.2:0.54) and poor trace (1:1.1:4.9:0.65), with percentages 0%, 2%, 3% and 4% of recycled PET fiber mixed with the red ceramic waste. For concreting, the materials have been mixed in a concrete mixer with a capacity of 120 liters in 20 min for each trace. Like this, 36 specimens have been made in cylindrical form 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height, with ages of initially and 28 days, both before the breaking load test, spending the first 24 hours immersed in tanks with water, remaining until the day of its rupture, according to NBR 5738 (ABNT, 2008). Slump flow tests, T500 time tests, workability have been performed, as well as the mechanical tests of Compressive strength and Compressive strength/density. PET fiber/red ceramic has offered greater workability than conventional concrete aggregate, using the same w/c ratio. A 4-12% reduction in density has been achieved with the PET fiber/red ceramic compared to the conventional aggregate concrete. With the 4% PET fiber/red ceramic replacing conventional aggregates at a 0.45 a/c ratio, compressive strength of 37.56 MPa has been obtained, the highest among all traces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil is one of the largest producers of ornamental stones in the world. The state of Espírito Santo has considerable social and economic relevance in the production of ornamental stones, particularly in exportation and the jobs that are directly related to this industry. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of the incorporation of ornamental stone waste on the physical and mechanical properties of red ceramic manufactured using clays and waste from the state of Espírito Santo, and to collaborate to regulate the use of this ornamental stone waste in the ceramic industry when manufacturing products. Ornamental stone wastes were incorporated into the ceramic mass in the following proportions: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% by weight. In the elaborated compositions, specimens were prepared by extrusion and were fired at 1050 °C and 1100 °C. After firing, the physical and mechanical properties of the material were analyzed using density, water absorption, porosity, linear shrinkage and mechanical strength. The results indicated an improvement in the properties of the ceramics with the addition of the waste by mass for the two temperatures. Therefore, the lower temperature (1050 °C) can be used to sinter the materials produced whilst obtaining satisfactory results and saving electrical energy. Ornamental stone waste has very promising applications in the ceramic industry.

This study assessed the incorporation of green liquor dregs, an inorganic solid waste from Kraft pulp mill, and flat glass cutting waste (FGCW) into red ceramic formulations. Since in Brazil sanitary landfills are still the main destination of industrial wastes such as those used in this research, a survey was conducted to identify the number of landfills in the region of origin of each waste and the amount of waste that could have this destination avoided. The effects of firing temperature and simultaneous incorporation of both industrial wastes were analyzed to optimize heat treatment and waste content in the formulation to manufacture red ceramic products. The influence of green liquor dregs and FGCW incorporation into clayey mass was evaluated varying waste content between 0 and 50 wt%. The specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressing, fired at 850 and 950 °C, and had their physical-mechanical properties and mineralogical and microstructural characteristics analyzed. The best results were obtained for the formulation with 10 wt% green liquor dregs and 30 wt% FGCW fired at 950 °C. This result highlights the potential of using green liquor dregs, a waste difficult to be recycled due to its chemical composition, associated with FGCW, which acts as a fluxing agent in ceramic formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of this paper was to evaluate ceramic products containing a percentage of ash from sheep wool waste through drying linear shrinkage from a small brickyard in Bagé - RS. The ash percentages used in the formulation were 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30%. Raw materials were analyzed by Energy Dispersive X - ray Fluorescence (XRF/EDX). The methods used to shape the ceramic products were vacuum extrusion and pressing. After shaping, the ceramic products were dried in laboratory conditions with an average temperature of 21°C for 3 weeks and later in an oven at 110°C for 48 h. The drying linear shrinkage test was performed according to the specifications of standard C-021/95, and its average results for all formulations were 8.2% and 0.7%, for the extruded and pressed products, respectively. The results of drying linear shrinkage were higher for the extruded products than for the pressed ones, showing that the addition of the ash from the sheep wool waste in the clay decreased the drying linear shrinkage in the extruded ceramic products.

The ceramic pottery industry of the state of Amapá suffers significant production losses because of the fragility of the drying and firing processes. The average loss is 5%, and can reach values of 33%, representing high operational and environmental costs and low productivity. This study investigated the utilization of red ceramic waste produced in the city of Macapá, state of Amapá, as raw material for the production of structural ceramic blocks. Initially, the mineralogical characterization of clay and chamotte was performed. For the physical tests, the prismatic and cylindrical specimens were produced. Six compositions of mixture of clay and chamotte, in proportions of 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% of chamotte mass were prepared. The firing process occurred at temperatures of 850, 950 and 1050 °C, with gradient of 2.5 °C/min. The properties evaluated were linear shrinkage, loss on ignition, apparent porosity, water absorption, bulk density, flexural and compressive strength, color and vitrification curves. The addition of chamotte in percentages of up to 25% resulted in technological properties of ceramic components with values suitable for the production of structural ceramic blocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Two types of porcelain and ordinary red ceramics were used as substitutes for coarse aggregates in concrete. • Porcelain tile waste was able to increase concrete compressive strength by up to 41%. • Red ceramic increased concrete compressive strength by up to 29%. Abstract Recent advances in construction engineering have made the design of safe structures possible and attracted an increasing attention to the use of concrete for its beneficial properties. This has, in turn, instigated a lot of efforts aimed at improving the physical and chemical properties of concrete. This is while increasing numbers of industry are producing waste products that warrant to be reused in order to avoid their dumping into the environment. One way to prevent accumulation of waste products in the environment is to use them as useful substitute materials in concrete. Along these lines, the use of ceramic wastes in concrete has been widely investigated. Porcelain ceramic is a new generation of ceramics that is highly heat resistant and offers a great resistance against pressure; however, these ceramics cannot be recycled to return to the production line in factories and are inevitably dumped into the environment as waste products. In the present research, two types of porcelain and ordinary red ceramics were used as substitutes for coarse aggregates in concrete. For this purpose, 65 specimens were cast to test their compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths as well as their water absorption. It was found that porcelain tile waste was able to increase concrete compressive strength by up to 41% while the red ceramic one increased it by up to 29%. Additionally, porcelain was found capable of increasing tensile and flexural strengths by up to 41% and 67%, respectively. Water absorption tests revealed that while porcelain increased concrete water absorption by up to 54%, red ceramic waste increased it by 91%. The superior performance of porcelain over that of red ceramic waste was attributed to the high porosity of red ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ceramica is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Ceramica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This research was inspired by the growing global shortage of natural aggregates. Different types of waste ceramics (apart from recycled concrete) are the most popular materials for the production of waste aggregates as possible substitutes for natural ones. The aim of this research was to analyse the efficiency of different aggregate mixes composed of waste and natural materials focusing on two waste ceramic aggregates, which were prepared concrete mixes based on specifically composed aggregates (blend of natural aggregate, porous and iron oxide-rich (red) waste ceramic aggregate, and dense, kaolin-based (white) waste ceramic aggregate). All aggregates were thoroughly tested before utilisation for concrete mix creation. Altogether, four blends of aggregates were prepared in order to prepare concrete mixes using a simplex experiment design. The mixes were then modified by adding various amounts of crimped steel fibre. Such properties of hardened steel fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC) such as density, compressive strength, shear strength, ultrasound propagation velocity, dynamic modulus of elasticity, and limit of proportionality during flexural testing were of special interest. Tests were conducted according to European and Japanese standards. The achieved fibre-reinforced concretes were characterised by satisfactory strength characteristics, thereby enabling the substitution of traditional reinforcement. Strength classes according to the fib Model Code 2010 were assigned.

Rotary-vacuum-filter mud (RVFM) is waste generated during the manufacturing process of titanium dioxide. In this work, RVFM and ceramic bricks containing different ratios of this waste are investigated. The mud samples were characterized using thermal analysis (TG/DTG). The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of adding RVFM on the ceramic properties of clay, such as apparent porosity, water absorption, linear shrinkage and flexural strength, used to produce red ceramics (bricks and roofing tiles). Samples were dried out at 110°C and fired at 800°C, 950°C and 1100°C. The addition of RVFM tends to increase the apparent porosity and water absorption and to decrease the flexural strength of the ceramic specimens. Based on the results, ceramic specimens with 20% RVFM content that are burned at 800ºC can not be used as bricks, and ceramic specimens with 20% RVFM content that are fired at 800ºC and 950°C can not used as roofing tiles, according to Brazilian standards.

Copyright of Ceramica is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Ceramica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ceramica is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Ceramica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Clay-rich materials and limestone from mines close to the metropolitan area of Cucuta together with materials obtained after firing process of ceramic products (chamotte) were used to form samples of ceramic tiles using extrusion and pressing. Once the ceramic process was finished (with firing temperatures between 1050 °C and 1250 °C), the effect of different ceramic pastes on technological characteristics, such as mechanical resistance to flexion, deep abrasion and percentage of water absorption, was evaluated according to the Colombian technical standard. Samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy to identify effects caused by presence of raw materials and the type of molding used. The results show that mineralogical composition and forming technique have an impact on the technological properties of the resulting material. Also it can be seen that for mixtures of raw materials employed in the study, the extrusion technique allows faster glassy phase formation, however this molding technique could be one of the reason for faster recrystallization at high temperatures. The best values for the technological properties were found at temperature of 1150 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ceramica is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Ceramica and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Para avaliação da degradação acelerada em laboratório sofrida pelos corpos de prova de cerâmica vermelha com adição de rejeito de rocha ornamental isento de granalha, foi utilizado um equipamento que lixivia com água quente e fria em tempos controlados, e também, congela a amostra em até -4 ºC. Os corpos de prova cerâmicos foram confeccionados com até 10% em massa de rejeito de rocha ornamental a seco, e em seguida, umedecidos e moldados por extrusão. Os materiais produzidos foram calcinados nas temperaturas de 700 ºC, 800 ºC e 900 ºC. Após 1060 h de degradação acelerada em equipamento de laboratório, analisaram-se as propriedades cerâmicas do material. Os resultados das resistências mecânicas foram comparados através da distribuição de Weibull, antes e depois da degradação. Nota-se que o material com adição de 10% de rejeito de rocha ornamental na massa cerâmica é mais confiável quando queimada a 900 ºC após a degradação, quando comparados com as amostras sem adição de rejeito, proporcionando maior durabilidade.For the evaluation of the accelerated degradation in laboratory of red ceramic specimens with addition of ornamental rock waste free from steel particles, an equipment that leach with hot and cool water and time control, and also freezing the specimen at -4 ºC was used,. The ceramic samples were made with up to 10 wt.% of the dry ornamental rock waste, and after humidifying and molding by extrusion. The specimens were fired at 700 ºC, 800 ºC and 900 ºC. After 1060 h of accelerated degradation lab test, ceramic properties were evaluated. The results of the strength were compared for Weibull distribution, before and after degradation. The specimens with addition of 10 wt.% waste is more durable and reliable when fired to 900 ºC after the degradation.

This work reports on the processing of red ceramic for civil construction using fast-firing cycles. The firing cycle is an important variable in the processing of red ceramic materials, which contributes to a high consumption of energy. The red ceramic pieces were prepared by industrial extrusion and fired at firing temperatures varying from 700 ºC to 1100 ºC using different firing cycles (slow-firing cycle - 1º C/min and fast-firing cycle - 10 ºC/min and 20 °C/min). The technological properties (linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent density, and flexural strength) as function of the firing temperature and firing cycle are investigated. The development of the microstructure was followed by SEM/SEI. The results showed that fast-firing red ceramics exhibits technological properties and microstructure comparable to conventionally fired red ceramics, resulting in great advantages in energy saving.Este trabalho descreve o processamento de cerâmica vermelha para construção civil usando ciclos de queima rápido. O ciclo de queima é uma variável importante no processamento de materiais de cerâmica vermelha, o qual contribui para um alto consumo de energia. As peças de cerâmica vermelha foram preparadas por extrusão industrial e queimadas nas temperaturas de queima variando de 700 ºC a 1100 ºC utilizando diferentes ciclos de queima (ciclo de queima lento - 1 ºC/min e ciclos de queima rápidos - 10 ºC/ min e 20 ºC/min). As propriedades tecnológicas (retração linear, absorção de água, porosidade aparente, massa específica aparente e tensão de ruptura à flexão) em função da temperatura de queima e ciclo de queima são investigadas. O desenvolvimento da microestrutura foi avaliado por SEM/SEI. Os resultados mostraram que as peças de cerâmica vermelha obtidas via processo de queima rápida exibiram propriedades tecnológicas e microestrutura comparáveis àquelas convencionalmente obtidas via queima lenta, resultando em grande vantagem na economia de energia.

No atual cenário de competição acirrada, a capacidade de inovar se faz fator chave para o desempenho empresarial sendo uma fonte de obtenção de vantagens competitivas. A presente pesquisa objetivou esboçar um diagnóstico da inter-relação entre as principais variáveis de desempenho e a capacidade de inovar das empresas que trabalham no setor de cerâmica vermelha no município de Campos dos Goytacazes. Foi realizado um estudo de casos múltiplos de caráter exploratório e descritivo em cinco empresas campistas com características diferenciadas. Aplicou-se um questionário semiestruturado a profissionais das empresas ceramistas que tivessem familiaridade com o negócio. De posse dos dados obtidos na etapa inicial analisados segundo a técnica de análise de conteúdo, foi realizada uma pesquisa survey não paramétrica a fim de ratificar as informações iniciais, além de verificar relações entre conceitos. O nível de concordância entre os respondentes das 20 empresas estudadas na etapa final foi verificado através do coeficiente de concordância de Kendall. A capacidade de inovar se mostrou baixa nas empresas do setor de cerâmica vermelha de Campos dos Goytacazes. Essa deficiência provém de fatores como: mão de obra desqualificada; falta de visão inovadora; baixa cooperação interorganizacional; falta de incentivos e programas que favoreçam a inovação.In today's world competition, the ability to innovate can be considered essential for corporate survival and a source of competitive advantages. This research aimed to outline an inter-relationship diagnostic among the main variables of performance and the capacity to innovate in companies working in the red ceramic industry in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes, north of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. .A multiple case studies with exploratory and descriptive purposes was carried out in five companies with different characteristics. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the companies' managers, people who were familiar with the business. Data collected were analyzed using content analysis in order to identify variables and factors necessary to construct a questionnaire. A survey research was conducted and these data were analyzed using nonparametric techniques to ratify the initial information, and to identify possible relationships among variables. The level of agreement among the answers furnished by the 20 companies studied was checked using Kendall concordance coefficient. The level of novelty was found low in the Campos dos Goytacazes Red Ceramic Cluster. This deficiency originate from factors such as unskilled labor, lack of innovative vision, low cooperation, lack of incentives and programs to encourage innovation.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo incorporar resíduo de gemas (lodo da serra de corte das gemas), produzido em uma empresa de lapidação de ametistas e ágatas, à massa cerâmica vermelha utilizada para a produção de tijolos maciços. As matérias-primas foram submetidas a ensaios de fluorescência de raios X, difração de raios X e análise granulométrica, para caracterização mineralógica e físico-química. Foram preparados corpos de prova com 0%, 5%, 9%, 13% e 17% de resíduo adicionado à massa cerâmica, em massa. As propriedades físicas estudadas foram a resistência à compressão, a retração linear, a absorção de água e a massa específica, de acordo com norma técnica vigente. Os resultados mostraram que é possível incorporar até 5% de resíduo na massa cerâmica.This work aims to incorporate gems waste (sludge saw cutting of gems), produced in an amethyst and agate firm cut, in the red ceramic body used for the production of solid bricks. The raw materials were tested by X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and granulometric distribution analysis, for characterize the mineralogy and physical chemistry of materials. Samples were prepared with 0%, 5%, 9%, 13% and 17% waste added to the ceramic body by mass. The physical properties studied were compressive strength, linear shrinkage, water absorption and density in accordance with current technical standard. The results showed that it is possible to incorporate up to 5% of waste in bulk ceramics.

A pesquisa contempla nesta segunda etapa, misturas binárias entre as argilas da Cerâmica Santa Rita e da Cooperativa de Artesões de Foz do Iguaçu, PR, em diferentes porcentagens peso, para confecção de corpos de prova por prensagem uniaxial, sinterizados nas temperaturas de 950 e 1050 ºC, e analisados pelos ensaios tecnológicos de cerâmica vermelha. Nas composições entre as argilas que apresentaram melhores desempenhos no processamento, incorporaram-se proporções de 4, 8, 12 e 16% de lodo visando agregar o resíduo a massa. Identificou-se nos resultados da produção de blocos estruturais de 6 furos pelo processo de extrusão que, 8% é o máximo de lodo a ser adicionado na massa cerâmica, onde não foi identificado trincas e deformações, com contração linear na ordem de 8,6%, absorção de água de 24,6% e resistência à compressão de 42,6 kgf/cm², em conformidade com as normas para produção de cerâmica vermelha para revestimento (tijolos).The research addresses this second stage, binary mixtures of clays Ceramic Santa Rita and the Cooperative of Artisans from Foz do Iguaçu, PR, in different weight percentages, for making specimens by uniaxial pressing, sintered at temperatures of 950 and 1050 ºC, and analyzed by technological tests of red ceramic. In compositions among the clays that were better at processing, proportions of 4, 8, 12 and 16% of the waste sludge were added in order to add mass. It was identified in the results of the production of building blocks 6-hole extrusion process by which 8% is the maximum of sludge to be added to the ceramic body, which was not identified cracks and deformations with linear shrinkage in the order of 8.6% water absorption of 24.6% and compressive strength of 42.6 kgf/cm² in accordance with the standards for the production of red ceramic coating (bricks).

O presente trabalho consiste no estudo das matérias-primas provenientes da Mina Tabajara (Limeira, SP), através da determinação das características químicas, físicas e mineralógicas, ensaios cerâmicos, métodos de controle, petrografia e influência do intemperismo, e em especial da mistura que vem sendo fornecida pela Mina para as indústrias da região. Esta foi elaborada a partir de tentativas e erros baseados na experiência dos ceramistas, o que despertou interesse no sentido de se averiguar os fatores que influenciam e/ou controlam seu comportamento. Individualmente as amostras representativas dos três níveis comercializados não apresentam resultados satisfatórios, ao contrário da mistura. Na mistura, os grãos mais grosseiros da amostra da porção do meio do perfil (L2; 20%) são acomodados na matriz formada pelo material da base (L1; 70%), e parte dos interstícios remanescentes são preenchidos por partículas da porção superior (L3; 10%), que é ligeiramente mais fina que a anterior, gerando peças cuja absorção de água é compatível com revestimentos do tipo BIII, a nível de laboratório. A partir da análise dos dados tem-se que a rocha fonte de sedimento juntamente com o ambiente deposicional possuem um papel importante na composição da mineralogia, granulometria e quimismo, que por sua vez relacionam-se diretamente com a capacidade de troca de cátions/ superfície específica e pH, e que todos esses fatores somados influenciam o grau de empacotamento dos grãos na conformação de peças cerâmicas, ocasionando mudanças tanto no grau de absorção de água como na resistência dos corpos de prova.This work is based on the study of materials from Mina Tabajara (Limeira, S. Paulo), by determining the chemical, physical and mineralogical features, ceramic tests, control methods, petrography and weathering influence, and especially the mixture that has been provided by the Mine for the industries of the region. The mixture was elaborated from attempts based on experience, which sparked interest in order to verify the factors that influence and/or control the mixture. Individual samples that represents the three levels provide no satisfactory results, as opposed to the mixture. In the mixture, the coarser grains of the sample from the middle portion of the profile (L2; 20%) are accommodated in the matrix formed by the base material (L1; 70%), and part of the interstices are filled by the remaining particles of the superior portion (L3; 10%), which is slightly thinner than the previous one, creating pieces which water absorption is compatible with BIII products, in laboratory. Data analysis showed that the source rock of sediment along with depositional environment have an important role in the mineralogical composition, particle size and chemism, which in turn relate directly to the cation exchange capacity / specific surface and pH, and that all these factors together influence the degree of packing of the grains in the formation of ceramic pieces, resulting in changes of water absorption degree and in the pieces resistance.

O fenômeno da expansão por umidade (EPU) resulta da ação da água e seus vapores causando a expansão dos materiais cerâmicos, podendo provocar danos no material e prejudicar sua vida útil. Na literatura existe muita ênfase nos problemas gerados pela EPU e nas tensões resultantes dessa expansão, porém até o presente não há dados relativos ao comportamento mecânico dos materiais cerâmicos após ação da EPU. Trabalhos recentemente desenvolvidos na UFCG tratam especificamente desse problema em blocos cerâmicos de vedação. Inicialmente verificou-se que, no caso de massas cerâmicas para uso em cerâmica vermelha queimadas em diversas temperaturas na faixa de 700 a 1100 ºC, e com a EPU induzida por imersão, fervura e autoclavagem, a EPU tem correlação com o comportamento mecânico dos corpos queimados, observando-se redução no módulo de ruptura à flexão à medida que a EPU aumenta. Trabalhos desenvolvidos com massas para uso em cerâmica vermelha aditivadas com carbonato de cálcio e carbonato de magnésio e queimadas entre 850 e 1000 ºC, evidenciaram o efeito benéfico do carbonato de cálcio na redução da EPU e aumento da resistência à flexão, sendo observada correlação entre EPU e módulo de ruptura à flexão, mas, no entanto, não foi observada correlação entre a EPU e o módulo quando da utilização do carbonato de magnésio. Pesquisas efetuadas com massas para cerâmica vermelha aditivadas com quartzo fino, visando o desenvolvimento de fases vítreas, não mostraram correlações bem definidas entre EPU e módulo de ruptura, sendo observado que adições de 10 e 20% de quartzo melhoram a resistência mecânica dos corpos cerâmicos após autoclavagem e que a adição de 30% de quartzo reduz seu módulo de ruptura.Moisture expansion (ME) phenomenon results from the action of water and water vapors causing the expansion of ceramic materials, which may damage the material damage and jeopardize its useful life. In literature there is much emphasis on problems generated by the ME and the tensions resulting from this expansion, but until now there is a lack of data on mechanical behavior of ceramics after ME. Recent works in UFCG specifically deal with this problem in ceramic bricks. Initially it was found that in the case of ceramic bodies for use in red ceramic burned at different temperatures, ranging from 700 to 1100 ºC with ME induced by soaking, boiling and autoclaving, the ME correlated with the mechanical behavior of burned bodies, and a reduction in modulus of rupture with the rising of ME was observed. Researches undertaken with compositions developed using clay and calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate as adds for red ceramic, burned from 850 to 1000 °C, showed the beneficial effect of calcium carbonate in reducing moisture expansion and rise modulus of rupture. Correlations between ME and modulus of rupture, was observed when calcium carbonate was used as additive. However, this associations was noted when magnesium carbonate was used as additive. Works carried out using fine quartz as additive of red ceramic compositions and aiming glassy phases development not observed well defined correlations between ME and modulus of rupture. The addition of 10 and 20% of fine quartz improve the mechanical strength of ceramic bodies after autoclaving and that the addition of 30% of quartz decreases its mechanical strength.

Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o efeito da incorporação do coque de petróleo nas propriedades físicas e mecânicas de cerâmica vermelha. Composições foram preparadas com 0%, 1%, 2% e 4% em peso de coque de petróleo incorporado numa massa argilosa caulinítica. Corpos-de-prova retangulares foram obtidos por extrusão para queima a 850 ºC e 1050 ºC. As propriedades físicas e mecânicas determinadas foram: tensão de ruptura à flexão e absorção de água. A microestrutura das cerâmicas queimadas foi avaliada por microscopia ótica. Os resultados mostraram que o resíduo de coque de petróleo pode contribuir significativamente para a redução do consumo de energia durante a etapa de queima. Entretanto, incorporações devem ser realizadas em quantidades ao redor de 1% em peso para não prejudicar a absorção de água da cerâmica.This work has as its objective the evaluation of the effect of incorporation of petroleum coke in the physical and mechanical properties of red ceramic. Compositions were prepared with 0%, 1%, 2% and 4 wt.% of petroleum coke incorporated into a kaolinitic clayey body. Rectangular specimens were formed by extrusion to fire at 850 ºC and 1050 ºC. The determined physical and mechanical properties were flexural rupture strength and water absorption. The microstructure of the fired ceramics was evaluated by optical microscopy. The results show that the petroleum coke waste can significantly contribute to reduce the energy consumption during the firing stage. However, incorporations must be done in amounts around 1 wt.% to avoid deleterious effect on the water absorption of the ceramic.

Este trabalho teve por objetivo reformular uma típica massa de telhas produzida no município de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, variando a quantidade de areia. As matérias-primas, massa argilosa e areia, foram inicialmente submetidas a ensaios de caracterização mineralógica, química e física. Foram preparados corpos de prova por extrusão para queima nas temperaturas de 850, 950 e 1050 ºC. As propriedades avaliadas foram plasticidade, absorção de água, retração linear de queima e tensão de ruptura à flexão. Os resultados indicaram que as propriedades avaliadas melhoraram com a utilização de areia.This work has as objective to reformulate a typical roofing tile body produced at Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil, varying the amount of sand. The raw materials, clayey body and sand, were initially submitted to mineralogical, chemical and physical characterization tests. Specimens were prepared by extrusion to fire at 850, 950 and 1050 ºC. The evaluated properties were: plasticity, water absorption, firing linear shrinkage and flexural rupture strength. The results indicated that the evaluated properties improved with the use of sand.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar algumas propriedades mecânicas de cerâmica vermelha como uma função da temperatura de queima. A massa argilosa usada foi caracterizada por meio da determinação da composição química, difração de raios X, distribuição do tamanho de partícula, morfologia, plasticidade e comportamento dilatométrico. Foram conformadas peças cerâmicas por prensagem uniaxial e queimadas a 850 ºC, 950 ºC e 1050 ºC. As peças queimadas foram avaliadas em termos de tensão de ruptura a flexão, módulo de elasticidade flexural, parâmetro de Weibull, tensão característica, massa específica aparente, absorção de água e área superficial específica. A evolução da microestrutura foi acompanhada via microscopia eletrônica de varredura e difração de raios X. Os resultados mostram que a temperatura de queima influencia diretamente nas propriedades mecânicas de cerâmica vermelha. Uma quantidade significativa de poros abertos foi eliminada, principalmente para temperaturas acima de 950 ºC. Os dados de tensão de ruptura a flexão resultaram em distribuição de Weibull, cujos parâmetros de Weibull estão compreendidos na faixa 8,59 -12,42.The aim of this work was to evaluate some mechanical properties of red ceramic as a function of the firing temperature. The clayey mass was characterized in terms of chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, particle size distribution, morphology, plasticity, and dilatometric behavior. Test specimens were prepared by uniaxial pressing and fired at 850 ºC, 950 ºC, and 1050 ºC. Fired test specimens were characterized in terms of flexural strength, elastic modulus, Weibull parameter, characteristic strength, apparent density, water absorption, and specific surface area. The microstructural evolution was accompanied by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the firing temperature directly influenced in the mechanical properties of red ceramic. A high content of open pores was eliminated mainly above 950 ºC. The flexural strength test data resulted in Weibull distributions, whose Weibull parameters are in the range 8.59-12.42.

O dióxido de titânio apresenta boas propriedades como um material fotocatalisador para aplicação em processos de degradação fotocatalítica. No entanto, o dióxido de titânio deve ser usado ancorado num suporte adequado. O uso de cerâmica vermelha como suporte de fotocatalisadores pode ser uma boa alternativa devido ao seu baixo custo e facilidade de fabricação. Neste trabalho foi estudado, via difração de raios X, o dióxido de titânio suportado em cerâmica vermelha produzida com argilas cauliníticas da região de Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. Os resultados mostram que o dióxido de titânio apresenta mudança estrutural da fase mais fotoativa (anatásio) para a fase menos fotoativa (rutilo) com o aumento da temperatura de sinterização. Em 700 ºC cerca de 50% da fase anatásio é retida para o dióxido de titânio suportado em cerâmica vermelha, independentemente do tipo de argila usada.The titanium dioxide presents good properties as a photocatalyst material for application in processes of photocatalytic degradation. However, the titanium dioxide should be anchored on a suitable support. The use of red ceramic as supporting material can be an alternative very interesting due to the its low cost and ease of manufacturing. In this work was studied via X-ray diffraction the phase transformation anatase-rutile at different temperatures for supported titanium dioxide in red ceramic substrate prepared with kaolinitic clays from the Campos dos Goytacazes-RJ region. The results showed that the effect of the sintering temperature was promoting the structural change of the phase more photoactive (anatase) for the less photoactive (rutile). At 700 ºC about 50% of the anatase phase is retained for supported titanium dioxide in red ceramic substrate, independently of the clay type used.

O processo de soldagem a arco submerso é empregado em grande escala na indústria metal-mecânica. No entanto, este processo gera enorme quantidade de resíduo de escória. Em geral, este resíduo vem sendo disposto em lixões. Nos últimos anos, a área de cerâmica tem atraído grande atenção para reciclagem de resíduos industriais. Neste trabalho foi feito um estudo objetivando avaliar a influência do resíduo de escória de fluxo de soldagem sobre as propriedades tecnológicas de argamassa de múltiplo uso e cerâmica vermelha para uso na construção civil. O resíduo de escória de fluxo de soldagem foi caracterizado em relação à composição química, difração de raios X, análise do tamanho de partículas e massa específica real. A argamassa foi preparada com a incorporação de resíduo de escória de soldagem em substituição total de areia natural (agregado miúdo tradicional). As argamassas foram caracterizadas em termos de consistência, densidade de massa no estado fresco, teor de ar incorporado e resistência à compressão. Análise microestrutural das argamassas foi feita via MEV. Foi preparada também uma série de misturas argila/resíduo contendo até 10% em peso de resíduo de escória de fluxo de soldagem. As peças cerâmicas foram preparadas por prensagem uniaxial e queimadas entre 850 ºC e 950 ºC. As peças queimadas foram caracterizadas quanto à retração linear, absorção de água, porosidade aparente, massa específica aparente e tensão de ruptura à flexão. Os resultados mostraram que o resíduo de escória de fluxo de soldagem pode substituir areia natural como agregado miúdo em argamassa de múltiplo uso. Além do mais, o resíduo de escória pode ser incorporado em cerâmica vermelha (tijolos e blocos cerâmicos) como substituto parcial de argila natural.The submerged-arc welding process is widely used in the metal-mechanic industry. However, this process generates huge amounts of slag waste. In general, this waste has been disposal in private waste deposits. In recent years, the ceramic area has attracted great attention for recycling of industrial wastes. In this work a study was done aiming evaluate the influence of the welding flux slag waste on the technological properties of multiple use mortar and red ceramics for use in civil construction. The waste sample was characterized regarding to chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, particle size analysis, and real density. The mortar was incorporated with welding flux slag waste in total substitution of natural sand (traditional small aggregate). The prepared mortars were characterized regarding to consistency, fresh state density, incorporated air content, and compressive strength. Microstructural analysis of the mortars was done via SEM. In addition, a series of clay/waste mixtures also was prepared with up to 10 wt.% of welding flux slag waste. The ceramic pieces were prepared by uniaxial pressing and fired between 850 ºC and 950 ºC. The following technological properties after firing were determined: linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent porosity, apparent specific mass, and flexural strength. The results show that the welding flux slag waste could replace the natural sand as small aggregate in multiple use mortar. In addition, the welding flux slag waste also could be incorporated into red ceramics (bricks and ceramic blocks) as partial replacement of natural red clay.

O setor de rochas ornamentais gera enormes quantidades de resíduos sólidos que necessitam ser descartados. Estes resíduos são geralmente descartados em rios, lagos e lixões, resultando em problemas econômicos e ambientais. Uma alternativa tecnológica viável tem sido a incorporação destes resíduos em massas argilosas para fabricação de cerâmica vermelha. No presente trabalho foi feito um estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a variação microestrutural durante o processo de queima de cerâmica vermelha contendo resíduo de rocha ornamental. Foi preparada uma série de peças cerâmicas contendo até 20% em peso de resíduo por prensagem uniaxial e queimadas em temperaturas entre 850 ºC e 1150 ºC. A variação microestrutural foi analisada usando microscopia óptica, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e difração de raios X. Os resultados mostraram que a microestrutura sinterizada de cerâmica vermelha é modificada tanto pela temperatura de queima, quanto pela incorporação do resíduo de rocha ornamental.The sector of ornamental rocks generates large amounts of solid waste materials that have to be discarded. These wastes are usually destined to rivers, lakes, and environment, resulting in economic and environmental problems. A feasible technological alternative has been the incorporation of these wastes into clayey pastes for manufacturing of red ceramics. In this work was done a study on the microstructural variation during the firing process of red ceramic incorporated with ornamental rock waste. A series of ceramic pieces containing up to 20 wt.% waste were prepared by uniaxial pressing and fired at temperatures between 850 ºC and 1150 ºC. The microstructural variation was analyzed using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the fired microstructure of red ceramic is modified with the addition of ornamental rock waste and firing temperature.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo das propriedades físico-mecânicas de massas cerâmicas com a incorporação de chamote visando a sua futura utilização na produção de blocos. Primeiramente foi feita a caracterização química e mineralógica, a análise granulométrica e a determinação dos limites de Atterberg da argila e do chamote. Em seguida, foram produzidos corpos de prova por extrusão, contendo argila pura e três composições de mistura, nas proporções de 5, 10, 15 e 20% em massa de chamote. A queima foi realizada em forno tipo mufla nas temperaturas de 850, 950 e 1050 ºC. As propriedades físico-mecânicas avaliadas foram: absorção de água, porosidade aparente, retração linear e tensão de ruptura à flexão. Como resultados principais, concluiu-se que: a) a incorporação de chamote acarretou aumento na taxas de absorção de água e diminuição da retração na secagem e na queima e b) para a temperatura de 1050 ºC, os corpos de prova produzidos com 10% de chamote apresentaram melhores resultados para a tensão de ruptura a flexão.This work presents a study of the physicist-mechanical properties of ceramic masses with grog incorporated, for a future use in the ceramic bricks production. First it was made the chemical and mineralógica characterization, the grain sized analysis and the determination of the limits of Atterberg of the clay and grog. After that, bodies of test extruded had been produced, contend pure clay and three compositions of mixture, in the ratios of 5, 10, 15 and 20% in mass of grog. The firing was carried in a muffle furnace with temperatures of the 850, 950 and 1050 ºC. The physicist-mechanical properties evaluated were: water absorption, drying linear shrinkage, firing linear shrinkage and flexural rupture strength. As main results, we concluded that: a) the incorporation of grog caused increase the taxes of absorption of water and reduction of the retraction in the drying and in burning and b) for the temperature of 1050 ºC, the produced bodies of test with 10% of grog had presented better resulted for the flexural rupture strength.

Os resíduos de construção e demolição (RCD) constituem uma importante parcela dos resíduos sólidos produzidos nas cidades brasileiras, correspondendo em torno de 50% dos resíduos sólidos urbanos. Dentre os diversos constituintes do RCD, a cerâmica vermelha, proveniente de restos de tijolos e telhas cerâmicas utilizados nas construções, equivale a uma considerável parcela destes resíduos. A reciclagem do RCD para a produção de agregados reciclados tem se tornado uma prática cada vez mais comum, particularmente em cidades onde há uma inacessibilidade ou escassez de agregados naturais, proporcionando altos custos para adquiri-los. Com o intuito de se determinar o comportamento do agregado reciclado de cerâmica vermelha na produção de concretos, desenvolveu-se um programa experimental baseado em um projeto de experimentos onde se substituiu os agregados miúdos e graúdos naturais pelos seus respectivos reciclados, além de se variar a relação água/cimento. Os concretos produzidos foram analisados com relação a três propriedades: resistência à compressão, módulo de deformação e volume de poros permeáveis (VPP). Os resultados obtidos foram analisados utilizando-se ferramentas estatísticas, desenvolvendo-se modelos matemáticos que descrevem o comportamento das propriedades estudadas ao se substituir o agregado natural pelos reciclados de cerâmica vermelha. Todos os modelos obtiveram excelentes coeficientes de determinação, acima de 95%. Simulações realizadas utilizando-se os modelos propostos apontam que a substituição do agregado miúdo natural pelo miúdo reciclado resulta em um acréscimo da resistência à compressão dos concretos produzidos e para a substituição do agregado graúdo natural pelo graúdo reciclado, um decréscimo. Para as demais propriedades do concreto estudadas, observou-se que a utilização dos agregados reciclados, tanto graúdo quanto miúdo, influi negativamente no comportamento do concreto, sendo que o agregado do tipo graúdo reciclado exerceu em todas as propriedades, uma maior influência.Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste is an important portion of solid waste produced in Brazilian cities, corresponding around 50% of urban solid wastes. Among several representatives of C&D waste, red ceramic, originated from bricks and tiles used in constructions, is a considerable portion. The recycling of C&D waste making recycled aggregates has been a common practice, particularly in cities where there is an inaccessibility or shortage of natural aggregates, that propitiate high costs to acquire them. Intending determine the behavior of red ceramic recycled aggregates in concrete's production, it was made an experimental program based on a project of experiments. In this program, the fine and the coarse natural aggregates were substituted by theirs respective recycled aggregates. The water/cement ratio was also varied. The produced concretes were analyzed regarding three properties: axial strength, modulus of deformation and volume of permeable voids (VPP). All the proposed models had excellent determination coefficient, higher than 95%. Simulations were made using the proposed models. The results indicate the natural fine aggregate substitution by the recycled red ceramic fine aggregate results in an axial strength increment and for a natural coarse aggregate substitution by the recycled red ceramic coarse aggregate, a decrease. For the other concrete properties, it was observed that the recycled aggregate use, as for coarse as for fine aggregate, had a negative effect and the recycled coarse aggregate exercised a larger influence than the fine aggregate.

Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o efeito da temperatura de queima nas propriedades de uma cerâmica constituída por argila caulinítica e incorporada com até 20% em peso de chamote. Foram preparados corpos de prova cilíndricos por prensagem uniaxial a 20 MPa para queima em forno de laboratório de 500 a 1100 ºC. As propriedades avaliadas foram densidade aparente, retração diametral, absorção de água e resistência mecânica. A microestrutura das cerâmicas foi avaliada por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e porosimetria de mercúrio. Os resultados indicaram que não houve variação significativa nas propriedades avaliadas entre 500 e 900 ºC. A partir daí, ocorreu uma redução brusca da porosidade que ocasionou um decréscimo da absorção de água e melhoria da resistência mecânica. A incorporação de 5% de chamote praticamente não alterou as propriedades da cerâmica. Entretanto, foi observado que a adição de maiores quantidades de chamote reduziu a resistência mecânica de queima da cerâmica.This work has the objective of evaluating the effect of the firing temperature on the properties and microstructure of a kaolinitic clay incorporated with up to 20 wt. % of grog. Cylindrical specimens uniaxially pressed under 20 MPa were prepared and fired at temperatures ranging from 500 to 1100 ºC in a laboratory furnace. The properties evaluated were bulk density, diametral shrinkage, water absorption and mechanical strength. The microstructure of the ceramics was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and mercury porosimetry. The results showed that no significant changes occurred in the evaluated properties of the compositions upon firing between 500 and 900 ºC. For higher firing temperatures, an abrupt decrease in the porosity resulted in a decrease in water absorption and an increase in mechanical strength. The incorporation of 5 wt.% of grog practically did not alter the properties of the ceramic. However, it was observed that higher amounts of grog decreased the fired mechanical strength of the clayey ceramic.