Clay-Based Products Sustainable Development: Some Applications

Abstract

Clay has a low environmental impact and can develop into many different products. The research presents two different case studies. In the first, the clay is the binder of raw earth doughs in order to produce clay-bricks. We investigate the effects of natural fibrous reinforcements (rice straws and basalt fibers) in four different mixtures. From the comparison with a mix without reinforcements, it is possible to affirm that the 0.40% of basalt fibers reduce the shrinkage by about 25% and increase the compressive strength by about 30%. Future studies will focus on identifying the fibrous effects on tensile strength and elastic modulus, as well as the optimal percentage of fibers. In the second study, the clay, in form of brick powder (“cocciopesto”), gives high alkaline resistance and breathability performance, as well as rendering and color to the plaster. The latter does not have artificial additives. The plaster respects the cultural instance of the original building. The research underlines how the use of a local (and traditional) material such as clay can be a promoter of sustainability in the contemporary building sector. Future studies must investigate further possible uses of clay as well as a proper regulatory framework.

Microstructural Investigations Regarding Sustainable Recycling of Ceramic Slurry Collected from Industrial Waste Waters

“…The microstructural investigations show that the pressed sample has a composite-like structure with a kaolinite matrix and the filler role is fulfilled by quartz and mullite particles. Such a mineral base is reported in the literature for various sustainable materials such as plasters [43,44] or pozzolan structures for geopolymer production [45,46]. Our microstructural observation evidenced that pressing the slurry with a humidity of around 30% facilitates the kaolinite binder activity, increasing the material cohesion.…”

An Economic Analysis of the Use of Local Natural Waste: Volcanic Ash of Mt. Etna Volcano (Italy) for Geopolymer Production

“…In the last few years, sustainability issues have gained momentum in the construction industry [9,10], with particular attention on the materials used [9,11,12]. From the point of view of recycling policies and environmental sustainability initiatives, inorganic polymers can play a relevant role, enabling the reuse of wastes in a wide range of potential applications [11,[13][14][15][16].…”

Contemporary Innovations and Sustainable Practices in the Application of Clay Materials within Architectural Design and Construction Methodologies

“…La Noce et al highlight the increasing energy demands and consequent resource depletion, pointing out that interventions in the built environment are crucial for addressing these issues. Current evaluation methods primarily assess buildings based on their operational energy consumption and emissions, underscoring the need for comprehensive approaches encompassing construction materials' environmental impacts throughout their lifecycle [5]. However, a building operates as an open system, involved in an ongoing flow of energy, materials, and social and economic connections with its environment, extending beyond its period of use.…”