Factorial Design for 32 Experimental Planning of Clay Ceramic Incorporated with Ornamental Stone Waste

Abstract

In recent decade there has been a worldwide trend towards encouraging the recycling of solid wastes. Both environmental and economical issues motivate recycling of industrial wastes from practically all productive sectors. In particular, the ornamental stone industry generates a significant amount of wastes in the form of small rocks and sludge. Several works have investigated the possibility of incorporation of these ornamental stone wastes (OSW) into red clay ceramics. Promising results were reported but the optimum condition the terms of composition and firing temperature are still to be defined. Therefore, the present work investigated the best values for the main technical properties through an experimental planning using 32 factorial design associated with the incorporation of OSW into clay ceramics. The best combination of strength and water absorption was found for 12 wt% incorporation and firing temperature of 920°C.