Preparation, properties characterization and structure formation mechanism of silica sand tailings-based ceramic materials

The preparation of high-performance ceramics using industrial waste as raw materials is an important direction in the comprehensive utilization of waste residue. In this paper, we used silica sand tailings and other industrial waste as raw materials to prepare two types of full waste-based ceramic materials without additional agent. The results showed that different waste ratios caused the variation in content and composition of glassy phase formed in the full waste-based material, leading to the formation of internal structure in different ceramic materials. Especially, the composition of glassy phase formed in ceramic foams was transferred from Ca–Al–Si–O to Al–Si–O glass system, resulting in the difference in pore structure and performance. This work provides a way to design the composition and control the properties of materials by using coupling reactions between chemical components during the material preparation, achieving high value, high efficiency and safe use of waste resources. •Waste-based ceramic tile and ceramic foam were prepared without using agent.•The composition of glass phase formed in ceramic material was discussed.•The internal structure formed in prepared ceramic materials was analyzed.•The property of material can be adjusted based on the chemical composition of waste.