The Use of Network Simplex Method for Planning the Incorporation of Recycled Paper Mill Sludge in Manufacturing of Ceramic Bodies

The final disposal of sludge from recycled paper mill effluent treatment plants is costly and demands large areas for landfilling. Environmentally sound alternative uses of the sludge, enabling economic valoration of this material appear to be advantageous to industry and to the environment. This paper evaluates the feasibility of the incorporation of paper mill sludge in manufacturing of ceramic bodies. The combination of different proportions of weak clay, strong clay and sludge from recycled paper effluent treatment plant for the production of ceramic bodies was determined by using the Network Simplex method planning of mixtures. Samples were prepared and burnt in oven at temperatures of 750, 850 and 950 °C. Physical, mechanical and environmental tests were carried out, in addition to chemical, microscopic and thermic analysis. The results demonstrated that the flexion resistance increased with the increase in temperature, while the absorption decreased at higher temperatures. The mixture design is efficient combining sludge addition at small fractions with large amount of clay, which demonstrate the viability of sludge incorporation for ceramic bodies manufacture, since the desired characteristics are observed.