Mechanical properties of mortar produced with the replacement of natural sand by scheelite residue

Abstract

The residue generated by industrial activities represents a cost, since the generators are responsible for its management, transportation, treatment and disposal. Rio Grande do Norte State in Brazil is the greatest producer of scheelite residue. The aim of this research was to characterize this mining residue, identify its similarity with natural sand and produce a coating mortar with it. In the composition of mortar, a Brazilian Portland cement type CPII-F32 and an industrialized calcium hydroxide as a binder were used. Laser granulometry, bulk and relative density, EDX, XRD and thermal analysis were done to obtain a physical and chemical characterization of the residue. Mechanical tests (tensile bond strength and compressive strength), SEM and water absorption test were done to analyze the behavior of mortar. All tests confirmed that mechanical properties were according to standards for tile mortar.

Development of Scheelite Tailings-Based Ceramic Formulations with the Potential to Manufacture Porcelain Tiles, Semi-Stoneware and Stoneware

“…[ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. As a consequence, scheelite’s mining activity is intense, profitable being that the principal mines of this mineral are located in China, Alaska, Mexico [ 5 ], Canada [ 6 ], Australia [ 7 ], Uzbekistan [ 8 ], and northeastern Brazil [ 9 ]. Despite the scientific, technological, and economic importance of mineral extraction, this activity generates a large number of tailings.…”

“…In summary, the authors concluded that this tailing has favorable physical characteristics for use in tile mortars. Another work worth mentioning was published by Medeiros et al [ 9 ], which aimed to characterize the scheelite tailing, identify its similarity with natural sand, and produce a tile mortar. In this work, besides the scheelite tailing, Portland cement type CPII-F32 and industrialized calcium hydroxide were used as a binder.…”