Valorization of sludge from the effluent treatment of the dairy industry as clay substitutes in building bricks

Abstract

The novelty of research is the valorization of two different types of sludge, from the treatment of effluent of the dairy industry, as partial clay replacement in the bricks manufacturing. The organic matter of the sludge decreased the plasticity of the mixture and increased the porosity during firing. Physicochemical and mechanical properties, were evaluated. The bricks with 10% and 20% sludge presented good appearance and acceptable properties, with compressive strengths of 17 and 10 MPa within limits optimal of Argentine and international standards. Therefore, the application of dairy sludge in the manufacture of building bricks could be a viable alternative.