Use of papermaking sludge in the manufacture of bricks for the construction of non-structural walls

Abstract

The high levels of waste cellulose mud in paper production represent a severe environmental problem regarding its final disposal as a waste by-product. The accumulation of paper sludge and its possible recycling should be focused on its reuse in primary materials or those of continuous use that mitigate its environmental impact. This research was developed to characterize a clay material used in civilian construction with Eco-Efficient properties (hollow ceramic bricks), incorporating waste from paper factories (paper sludge or cellulose sludge) without affecting its mechanical response in comparison with traditional materials, but with the use and advantages of the utilization of residual materials. For this purpose, a physical-chemical characterization of the paper sludge was carried out, accompanied by a physical-mechanical characterization for the Non-structural block obtained with the inclusion of the sludge, in accord with dosages of 0%, 11.1%, 12.5%, 14.3% 16.7% and 20%. As a result, the organic and inorganic byproducts present in the paper waste byproducts were obtained, and the hollow ceramic bricks showed an increase in their mechanical compression capacity under considerable variations in coloration and size.