Calcium Fluoride Sludge Added into Ceramics Made with Serpentine and Kaolin Tailing Wastes

Abstract

To solve the problems with disposing of sludge and mine tailings, calcium fluoride sludge (CFS) was tested as a component for producing ceramics made by using serpentine tailing waste (STW) and kaolin tailing waste (KTW). Converting CFS and tailing wastes into ceramic as a construction material not only reduced producing cost by the utilization of wastes as secondary raw materials, but also solved the environmental concerns associated with sludge and tailing. The purpose of this research was to develop a process to manufacture ceramic products using CFS STW, and KTW by sintering technology. The ceramic properties were analyzed by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, compressive strength measurement, morphological structure analysis, adsorbing water ratio, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure, and corrosion resistance in acid and alkaline solutions. Results indicated that the sintered ceramic reached the standards of a construction material. Therefore, converting CFS, STW, and KTW into ceramic products are in accordance with the concept of sustainable development.