Brick production and characterization containing coal mining waste

Abstract

Mine operations generate millions of tons of waste, which poses a severe threat to environmental pollution and human health. The disposal of coal mining waste is also a significant problem. The study was conducted to examine the usability of coal mining wastes as a brick building material. The study has involved the addition of coal mining wastes obtained from different stages of coal production processes, which are pulverized by dry grinding, into the brick clay in varying proportions (0-100%), shaping by the pressing method and firing of the brick samples at 950, 1050, and 1150 degrees C temperatures. It has also involved thermal analysis (TGA) and XRD analysis of brick clay and coal mining wastes, the examination of the physical, mechanical, mineralogical, and microstructural properties of fired brick samples. The wastes containing brick properties were compared with the waste-free standard brick properties. At all three firing temperatures, the water absorption, apparent porosity, and bulk density values were similar to the standard sample with the addition of Schist A. With the addition of Schist B, the water absorption and apparent porosity values increased, and the bulk density values decreased. All brick samples had the required compressive strength in accordance with Turkish standards (at least 7 MPa). It was determined that coal mining wastes can be used as an alternative raw material source in brick production.