Recycling of sugarcane bagasse ash waste in the production of clay bricks

This work investigates the recycling of sugarcane bagasse ash waste as a method to provide raw material for clay brick bodies, through replacement of natural clay by up 20 wt.%. Initially, the waste sample was characterized by its chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, particle size, morphology and pollution potential. Clay bricks pieces were prepared, and then tested, so as to determine their technological properties (e.g., linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent density, and tensile strength). The sintered microstructure was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the sugarcane bagasse ash waste is mainly composed by crystalline silica particles. The test results indicate that the sugarcane bagasse ash waste could be used as a filler in clay bricks, thus enhancing the possibility of its reuse in a safe and sustainable way. ► A new alternative for the recycling of sugarcane bagasse ash waste is needed. ► Sugarcane bagasse ash waste as raw material for clay bricks. ► Sugarcane bagasse ash waste contains crystalline quartz as the major component. ► Sugarcane bagasse ash influences the properties and microstructure of clay bricks.