POROUS CERAMICS AS A SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION FOR ESTUARINE DREDGED MUD

CERAMICA POROSA COMO SOLUCAO SUSTENTAVEL PARA LAMA DE DRAGAGEM ESTUARINA

Abstract

Environmental challenges and the growing demand for sustainable solutions have driven research into the beneficial use of dredged material in the ceramic industry. However, most studies focus on incorporating small proportions of sediment into conventional formulations, limiting the potential for reducing mining activities or ocean disposal. Despite the complexities of estuarine environments — characterized by high organic matter content — few studies have investigated the use of dredge mud as the predominant raw material in ceramic production. To bridge this gap, this experimental study explores the development and performance of porous ceramics produced primarily from estuarine dredged mud. The methodology involved sampling sediment during the dredging process at the Rio Grande port complex in southern Brazil, followed by comprehensive mineralogical, chemical, and physical characterization. This was succeeded by the molding of green bodies and sintering at 900°C, along with analyses of the ceramics’ physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The findings indicate that the final product is viable as a thermal insulator, meeting quality standards established by technical norms and existing literature, thus positioning the obtained porous ceramic as a sustainable alternative for managing sludge residues from dredging operations.