Evaluation of Co and CO2 Emitted in the Firing of Clay Ceramics Incorporated with Elephant Grass Ash

Abstract

Several environmental studies have been dedicated to the correct management of industrial residues. The conventional clay ceramic productive sector became, in past decades, a growing alternative for these residues through their incorporation in products such as bricks and tiles. The firing temperatures for ceramic sintering usually transform the incorporated residue into an inert microstructural phase. In some cases, the residue may even improve the ceramic properties. However, during the firing stage, polluting gases might be emitted causing environmental impact. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the gases emitted during sintering of a clay ceramic incorporated with 10 and 20 wt% of elephant grass ashes. The emission was investigated for firing temperature in the interval from 250 to 1100oC and the gases analyzed by photothermic technique. The ash incorporation promoted a significant increase in the emission of greenhouse gases such as CO and CO2.