Formulation of triaxial ceramic masses for red wall tiles (BIII group) using marble waste

Abstract The ornamental rock industry is known for producing a significant amount of marble waste. In this investigation, a study was carried out on the formulation of ceramic masses for red wall tiles (BIII group) using marble waste as an ecological alternative to traditional limestone. The raw materials used (clay, quartz, limestone, and marble waste) were characterized in terms of chemical and mineral compositions. The formulation of the wall tile masses was guided by the triaxial diagram method. Tile pieces were produced by pressing and firing in the range of 1100 to 1180 °C. The influence of the incorporation of marble waste in the red wall tiles was evaluated through the gresification diagram. The results showed that the marble waste exhibited good chemical compatibility for use in red wall tile formulations. It was also found that all formulations incorporated with marble waste presented typical gresification behavior for the production of red wall tiles (BIII group of ABNT NBR ISO 13006). Thus, the ceramic tile industry could offer a sustainable alternative for the valorization of marble waste.