Combinations of organic and inorganic wastes for brick production

A mixture of different types of clay was blended with rice straw (RS) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in the presence or absence of cement kiln dust (CKD) to produce new types of brick. The ratios of RS and MCC were 0, 5, and 10% w/w in the absence of CKD while they were kept at 5% w/w in its presence. The samples produced were compared to “blended” bricks prepared using 10% w/w CKD. Samples were fired at temperatures up to 1000°C and their surface and composition studied using SEM and XRD. Moreover, the chemical and physical properties of prepared bricks were determined. Introducing RS reduced both strength and bulk density but increased porosity of prepared samples. The presence of MCC alone increased the compressive strength, while combining RS with CKD overcame the decrease in strength resulting from the presence of RS alone. This has enabled the production of light‐weight low‐cost bricks with a compressive strength close to nonblended bricks, especially at high firing temperature. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:174–179, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers