Cementing efficiency factors of ceramic polishing residue in compressive strength and chloride resistance of mortar

During the polishing process of ceramic tiles, plenty of ceramic polishing residue (CPR) is generated. In order to evaluate the reutilization of CPR as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in mortar/concrete, and investigate its effects on the strength and durability, a series of mortar mixes containing different CPR contents were made for conducting compressive strength test and rapid chloride permeability test. It was found that adding CPR as a SCM up to 20% could still markedly improve the compressive strength and chloride resistance, while at the same time reduce the waste disposal, cement consumption and carbon footprint for sustainable development. Moreover, the cementing efficiency factor of the CPR in 28-day compressive strength was generally higher than 1.5 whereas that in chloride resistance was generally higher than 4.0, indicating that the CPR is a highly effective SCM for replacing part of the carbon-intensive cement and improving the strength and durability performance. Adding ceramic polishing residue (CPR) can significantly improve the compressive strength and chloride resistance of mortar. [Display omitted] •Ceramic polishing residue (CPR) is an effective filler and cementitious material.•Adding CPR up to 20% could still improve strength and chloride resistance.•This would also reduce waste disposal, cement consumption and carbon footprint.•The cementing efficiency of CPR is substantially higher than that of cement.