Application of Sorbent Waste Material for Porous Ceramics Production

The paper considers the application of waste sorption material utilization and pumpkin seed husks formed during the extraction of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions, as a combustible additive to clay mixtures in production of the porous ceramics. In this regard, this study evluates the effects of different amounts (2-8%) of the spent sorption material in the charge composition with changes in the physical and mechanical properties of ceramic samples obtained by firing at temperatures of 950-1050 ° C. One finding is that the combustion of the organic additive is accompanied by the formation of voids and the release of gases with the formation of pores in the ceramic piece. Another finding is that all clay mixtures with a combustible additive allow the production of porous ceramics to meet the requirements for compressive strength, porosity, density, water absorption and linear shrinkage. It is recommended using 4 % of combustive additive in order to obtain optimal properties in terms of density and strength. During the testing of the developed porous ceramics for heavy metal leaching, the material does not pose an environmental hazard. Finally, the results of this study are applicable for the construction of internal partitions and household buildings.