The clay samples endure the incorporation of industrial and urban wastes, which do not cause large variations in their properties if added in controlled quantities. Wastes can be classified as fuel, fluxing and property affecting wastes. The fuel wastes usually have a high amount of organic matter, that when heated cause exothermic reactions, releasing heat to the process. The fluxing wastes cause a reduction in the ceramic melting points. The main aim of this work was to study the behavior of ceramics incorporated with fuel wastes (Eichhornia crassipes dry biomass) and fluxing wastes (granite) as well as blends of both wastes. Different compositions were prepared with incorporation of different percentages of these wastes in the clay samples, conformed by uniaxial pressing and fired at 550, 650, 750, 850, 950 e 1050ºC. The technological properties tested were: dry apparent density, linear shrinkage, water absorption and flexural rupture strength. Results indicate that the high calorific value of the biomass waste represents a great possibility of saving energy for the firing process. Incorporations can be indicated as a possibility of correct destination for the investigated wastes.

Brazil is one of the world greatest aluminum producer and also comprises a large industrial sector dedicated to the production of alumina (Al2O3) by the traditional Bayer process. During this process an insoluble residue, known as red-mud, is generated and normally discarded. A possible use for the red mud is its incorporation into clay ceramics. Indeed, this has been a solution not only for the red mud but also for residues of different industrial segments. The common clay, like the kaolinite, versatility allows the incorporation of several types of residues. The red mud, in addition to compounds like silica and alumina that are compatible with clays, is also composed of iron, sodium, calcium and other elements that confer important characteristics to ceramic products. Thus, the present work investigated the incorporation of up 60 wt% of distinct red muds, one as processed, in natura, and the other calcined at 900 °C, into clay ceramics. Both red muds act as inert materials without improving the pure clay ceramic properties.