Effect of industrial sludge particle size on the performance of baking-free sludge bricks

ABSTRACT

Cement solidification is essential to reduce heavy metal leaching from industrial sludge and make it recyclable. This paper studied the effect of aggregate grading optimized by sludge containing heavy metal of different particle sizes on the performance of baking-free sludge bricks, which was mixed with industrial sludge cured by both micro-silica fume and cement. First, the gradation of fine natural aggregates was adjusted according to the Fuller curve. Fine aggregates in baking-free bricks were replaced by artificially processed sludge with particle sizes of 0.15 mm ~0.3 mm and 2.36 mm ~4.75 mm. In this case, a mixed proportion scheme was designed. Then, the strength, water absorption, porosity, and heavy metal leaching were measured. With the help of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the phase and pore structures were observed. The test results showed that: (1) Sludge can replace part of the fine aggregates to make baking-free bricks, resulting in the reduction of the strength of baking-free bricks, but the strength still meets the standard strength requirements of GB/T 21,144-2007. (2) When fine aggregates are partly replaced by sludge with finer particle sizes, baking-free sludge bricks exhibit higher strength, lower water absorption, better pore structures and microphase structure, and stronger solidification of heavy metals, the leaching number of heavy metals meets the standard requirements of GB5085.3–2007, which will be provided support for actual industrial production.

Implications: Cement solidification is an essential means to reduce the heavy metal leaching from industrial sludge and make it recyclable. This paper studied sludge containing heavy metal of different particle sizes on the performance of baking-free sludge bricks. This paper analyzed the compressive strength, porosity and water absorption of baking-free bricks mixed with sludge of different partical sizes, and adopted the NMR to characterize the pores of baking-free bricks, and the SEM to observe the baking-free bricks resultants and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). The heavy metal leaching test verified the environmental benefits of baking-free bricks mixed with sludge instead of aggregates. There not only make full use of solid wastes, but also thus minimizing pollution to the environment, which provide support for actual industrial production and a reference for studying industrial sludge recycling technology.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Author contributions

Wenhao Zhao and Mingru Li are responsible for the experiments and data collation in this paper. Lei Guo and Guo Lixia are responsible for the overall direction and advice of the paper. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript

Data availability statement

All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article.

Additional information

Funding

(1) Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province [202300410270] Study on frost resistance durability behavior and deterioration damage mechanism of cementitious sand and gravel; (2) The 14th graduate student Innovation Project of North China University of Water Resources and Hydropower [NCWUYC-2023003].

Notes on contributors

Qingqing Tian

Qingqing Tian is a doctoral student at the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research.

Wenhao Zhao

Wenhao Zhao is a postgraduate student at the School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power.

Lei Guo

Lei Guo, is a doctor, professor, master supervisor, and doctoral supervisor in the School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power. In recent years, he has focused on construction waste recycling concrete technology, water environment management, and ecological restoration.

Lixia Guo

Lixia Guo is a doctor and associate professor of School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power.

Mingru Li

Mingru Li is a postgraduate student at the School of Water Conservancy, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power.