Bricks Using Clay Mixed with Powder and Ashes from Lignocellulosic Biomass: A Review

Abstract

The production of fired or stabilized bricks from lignocellulosic biomass ash is thoroughly examined in this article. Bricks are typically made through the high-temperature firing process or by stabilizing the mixture with binders such as lime and cement. These bricks have a large carbon footprint and high levels of grey energy. In many parts of the world, the excessive use of clay as a natural raw material for the production of conventional bricks will lead to its scarcity. The mixing of clay with lignocellulosic ash during brick manufacturing leads to a better and more reliable solution that conserves scarce natural resources and reduces the impact of environmental pollution. This study aims to review the state of the art in the production of bricks based on lignocellulosic ashes and their physical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The most recent data in the literature related to the manufacture of lignocellulosic ash-based bricks either by firing, cementing or geopolymerization, the design of mixtures, as well as the identification of the main factors influencing the performance and durability of these bricks are presented and discussed. Despite extensive research, there is still very little commercial use of waste bricks in general and lignocellulosic biomass ash in particular. Various toxicity issues of lignocellulosic ash used in brick production limit their use on an industrial scale due to a lack of appropriate standards. In order to achieve practical production of bricks from lignocellulosic ash, research is still needed on standardizing and sustaining biomass ash recycling.

Ceramic Materials Containing Volcanic Ash and Characterized by Photoluminescent Activity

“…In general, for solely clay bricks, the linear shrinkage is associated with the amount of glassy phase produced during firing, because it enters and fills the porosity in the microstructure of the ceramic; dehydroxylation of a few clay minerals (mainly 1:1 ones); decomposition of carbonates; and collapse of the crystal structure of clay minerals [51]. Therefore, a densification occurs that determines the matrix shrinkage and improves the mechanical and absorption properties of brick [52]. The decrease in the DLR with the increasing amount of VA can be explained in terms of its lower contribution to the densification process; with respect to clay, VA densification is the result of the recrystallisation, during the sintering, of its low-melting-temperature glassy components.…”

“…Figure 11 shows the average length changes of the specimens after firing. mines the matrix shrinkage and improves the mechanical and absorption properties of brick [52]. The decrease in the DLR with the increasing amount of VA can be explained in terms of its lower contribution to the densification process; with respect to clay, VA densification is the result of the recrystallisation, during the sintering, of its low-melting-temperature glassy components.…”

Transformation of Physical Characteristics in Fired Clay Bricks by Adopting Waste-based Fluxing Agent

“…FCBs are a common building material used all over the world. However, as the market for FCB continues to grow, the non-renewable resource of clay soil is increasingly used [1]. Moreover, the making of bricks through firing has the drawback of significant energy consumption that results in alternative brick-making methods to conserve energy.…”

Special Issue on the Application of Municipal/Industrial Solid and Liquid Waste in Energy Area

“…The regular articles concern the following issues: the possibility of pellet production from waste generated during the cultivation of selected plants for industrial purposes [10], the repurposing of a common form of biowaste (i.e., the banana stem) to collect solar energy for a desalination application [11], the theoretical research of gas hydrates' ignition [12], the emission of gaseous pollutants from an incineration plant concerning the emission requirements for incineration plants specified by the European Commission (EC) [13], an experimental work on the physical and chemical characteristics of the steam pyrolysis products of oil sludge [14] and investigations of waste biomass from parks and gardens for the production of pellets in terms of its application as an energy source [15]. The review papers include the field of the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass ash as a substitute material for the production of fired and unfired bricks [16], a discussion on the topic of NO x as greenhouse gases and the emission contribution from waste incineration and co-incineration plants [17], a discussion on the trends of the thermal degradation of polymeric materials including PET, PP, SBR, ABS, resin, and tier waste [18], and modern achievements in the thermal recovery of industrial and municipal waste [19].…”