The use of çan stone processing wastes as raw material in ceramic triaxial glaze system

Natural stones are materials with distinct properties that are becoming increasingly popular because of their accessibility, performance, and decorative qualities. In the construction industry, igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rock types are frequently used, particularly in landscaping, sculpture, and ceramic production. These wastes are categorized in various forms, such as dust or fines, aggregates, larger pieces of stone, damaged blocks or slabs, and stone slurry. Waste has a significant impact on soil, water, air, and biological resources if problems that arise during and after operations are not properly addressed. In this study, the operating wastes produced during the production of “Çan Stone”, which is defined in the literature as "rhyolitic tuff", and has mineral deposits in Çan, Turkey, were used as components in recipes created with ceramic triaxial blend systems. The main objective is to eliminate the environmental issues brought on by the accumulation of this waste while also enabling the use of a by-product that has a wide range of applications in various industrial sectors. The chemical compositions of the waste which are added up to 60% into the glaze recipes and raw materials used in recipes were determined by XRF analysis. Among the glaze recipes produced, 6 glaze compositions were selected for characterization tests. XRD, SEM, hot stage microscope and spectrophotometer devices were used to characterize the produced glaze samples. Wastes were obtained from Şahin Mining Company (Çan-Turkey) and included in the formulations of ceramic glazes. Transparent glazes in color tones ranging from light brown to dark brown were obtained in the samples fired at 1200 oC.