Utilization of Foundry Waste to Produce Ceramic Matrix Composites

The metallurgic industry, especially foundries, is a significant source of waste. For this reason, alternatives that involve reuse and recycling are necessary to minimize waste disposal in landfills and recover matter and energy. The feasibility of elaborating ceramic matrix composites with the incorporation of foundry waste was investigated in this study. Two types of residues were used to elaborate the composites. Green sand and grit blasting powder, in formulations with concentrations that ranged from 5.0 to 10.0% (m/m). The specimens were molded by uniaxial pressing, and a thermal treatment at 1000 °C was performed. The materials were characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), particle size determination, linear retraction, water absorption, mechanical strength, leaching and solubilization. The results indicate that the incorporation of waste to the ceramic mass enables the processing of specimens with properties of industrial interest, such as mechanical strength and water absorption.