Ceramic waste sludge as a partial cement replacement.

Abstract

In this research study, waste ceramic sludge derived from orthopaedic implant mass finishing processes were employed as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in the partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC).The cement was replaced by dried ceramic sludge in powder form accordingly in ranges up to 50%wt. The results demonstrate that the addition of ceramic sludge powder as an active addition to OPC can enhance the mechanical strength of concrete when incorporated in the range of 15-20%. Furthermore, results show improved cohesiveness and a reduction of bleed waters in the concretes fresh phase. The results also show that the overall durability of the concrete was improved through a reduced water absorption capacity. The waste ceramic sludge employed constitutes a significant volume of the source factory's waste stream. This waste is traditionally disposed of in landfill, incurring significant economic and environmental costs. As such, there is demand for research into potential re-use of the material.