Ceramic Waste Utilization in Concrete Composites
Summary
The mounting volume of ceramic residues from tile manufacturing, sanitary ware production and demolition activities poses both an environmental challenge and an opportunity for the construction sector. Research has demonstrated that finely ground ceramic powder, crushed fragments and reclaimed ceramic aggregates can substitute portions of cement and natural aggregates in concrete, yielding composites with reduced carbon footprint and conserved natural resources. Ceramic waste often exhibits pozzolanic reactivity, where silica-rich phases react with calcium hydroxide to form additional calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), enhancing long-term strength and reducing permeability. As aggregates, ceramic fragments can lower density and improve thermal insulation, while in specialised mixes they contribute to fire resistance and thermal energy storage. Practical applications span from structural concrete with partial cement replacement to lightweight masonry blocks and precast panels. Key challenges include controlling variability in waste composition, ensuring durable interfacial bonding and optimising particle size distribution. Overall, the integration of ceramic waste in concrete composites exemplifies circular economy principles and aligns with global efforts to decarbonise construction materials.
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Ceramic Waste Utilization in Concrete Composites publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in ceramic waste utilization in concrete composites across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Pozzolan: A siliceous or aluminous material which, in finely divided form and in the presence of moisture, chemically reacts with calcium hydroxide to form cementitious compounds.
Aggregate: Inert granular material (fine or coarse) used in concrete to provide volume stability; natural or recycled ceramics may serve this role.
Compressive strength: The maximum axial load per unit area that a concrete specimen can sustain before failure.
Interfacial transition zone (ITZ): The thin region around aggregate particles where the microstructure differs from the bulk cement paste, influencing composite strength and permeability.
Alkali-activated binder: A cementitious system formed by reacting aluminosilicate precursors with alkaline activators, offering an alternative to Portland cement.
Microstructure: The internal physical and chemical structure of hardened cement paste or composite at the micron scale, determining mechanical and durability properties.
References
- Clay Ceramic Waste as Pozzolan Constituent in Cement for Structural Concrete. Materials (2021).
- Use of waste ceramics to produce sustainable concrete: A review. Cleaner Materials (2022).
- The Use of Heat-Resistant Concrete Made with Ceramic Sanitary Ware Waste for a Thermal Energy Storage. Applied Sciences (2017).
- Mechanical Properties, Crack Width, and Propagation of Waste Ceramic Concrete Subjected to Elevated Temperatures: A Comprehensive Study. Materials (2022).
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