Preparation of porous brick using MDF residues in the formulation of structural ceramic masses

ABSTRACT MDF industrial wastes (Medium Density Fiberboard) generated in the wood furniture industries, have been causing serious environmental impacts, since their improperly disponishment in the nature. In light of this, the purpose of this work is to develop new structural ceramic compositions, containing 5, 10 and 15% by mass of MDF waste. The mineralogical, chemical and thermal characteristics of the masses were analyzed. Test bodies (50mm x15mm x 5mm) were shaped by uniaxial press (13.3 MPa), which were dried at 110º C/24h and sintered at 750, 850 and 950 °C. Subsequently, these were subjected to the following characterizations: Water absorption, apparent density, apparent porosity and flexion rupture module. The mineralogical and microstructural characteristics, after firing, were also analyzed. The results showed that up to 10% of the residue of MDF in the form of powder could be incorporated into structural ceramic masses for the productions of ceramic materials, such as acoustic and thermal insulation porous bricks. The apparent porosity was 31.7 %, bulk density was 1.6 g/cm3, the flexural strength was 11.5 MPa.