Ceramic characterization of raw material with a high content of organic matter reduced by composting

Abstract

The process of beneficiation of a peaty ceramic raw material extracted from the Poços de Caldas region, MG, through the composting method to reduce organic matter (OM) was analyzed. The raw materials used in separate piles were divided, keeping one of the samples pure (TP) and adding bovine wastes in the second (TB). The process lasted 6 months and, at the end of each month, the amount of MO was analyzed by the Walkley-Black method. Results of maximum degradation of 56%±6% of OM in the TB and 47%±5% of OM in the TP were obtained. The ceramic characterization of the processed raw material was then carried out. It has been proved that the proposed method is efficient for the decrease of OM in the ceramic raw material. Regarding the composting product, the results were positive, showing that this material can be used in ceramic applications.