Red ceramic industry residues: Used to produce Portland cement

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using waste from the production process of the ceramic industry as feedstock for the manufacture of Portland cement. Analysis was performed in a cement industry quality control laboratory, performing chemical, physical, and mechanical tests. The results met specifications for cement production. The cement color was a limiting factor, since the consumer tends to reject cements with a slightly reddish hue. Of the tested compositions, the Red Ceramic Residue (RCR) percentage achieving favorable results for cement manufacturing without compromising color, was the 4% addition. In terms of economic and environmental viability (in Paraíba, Brazil), using this percentage to manufacture cement could represent consumption of about 48,000 tons/year of RCR, generating cost savings, and lower CO2 emissions, being an alternative for large-scale use.