This study aims to characterize and evaluate the feasibility of using the sludge,
from the Water Treatment Plant - ETA 006 Palmas - TO, Brazil, as a component of the
ceramic body to manufacture red tiles. The sludge was characterized by physical,
mineralogical and chemical analysis considering the different seasons of the year (wet
and dry). Subsequently, test samples were produced with 0% to 10% of sludge and aspects
of water absorption and flexural tensile strength were analyzed. The physical data showed
that the sludge, regardless the period of the year, mainly consists of sand, it has low
plasticity and density. Kaolinite is the dominant clay mineral in the sludge. The sludge
has greater weight loss at a lower temperature, around 322°C. The sludge had chemical
composition of predominantly SiO2 (silica), Al2O3 (alumina) and Fe2O3 (iron oxide).
The sludge significantly influenced the tiles quality. The water absorption tends to
increase significantly with sludge addition. However, the breaking load showed no
significant difference with the addition of sludge, remaining within the required limits of
NBR. Therefore, the results show that the sludge acts decreasing the plasticity, so a plastic
ceramic mass is needed, and thus it can guarantee a good technical quality ceramic
products production.
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