Reuse of Solid Brick Waste Mix in Geopolymerization – a Preliminary Investigation

Abstract

The applicability of solid bricks waste in geopolymerization technique was considered. Waste samples were characterized in terms of mineralogical composition by XRD prior to mechanical testing. XRD analysis showed that both brick samples contained anorthite, wollastonite, and mullite as the main components. The compressive strength investigation was carried out by screening method with three geopolymer mixtures. Geopolymer mixtures were prepared with alkaline activators; the mixtures were poured into molds and air-dried for 28 days. The compressive strength of samples was measured according to the standard SRPS EN 12390-3:2010 for cubic samples. The compressive strength values ranged from 9.8 MPa for the newer solid brick, 10.2 MPa for the older solid brick, and 10.5 MPa for the solid brick mix waste geopolymer sample. The most likely underlying reason for the higher compressive strength results of the older solid brick and the mixed sample is their mineral composition, i.e. higher proportion of aluminosilicate. However, all samples showed satisfactory compressive strengths, and it represents an excellent basis for further research.