Influence of the Incorporation of Electroplating Sludge from the Industrial pole of Manaus on the Technological Properties of Red Ceramics

This study evaluates the incorporation of electroplating sludge waste into red ceramics as a sustainable and safe alternative for waste management. The raw materials were collected and characterized, and a 23 factorial design was applied with sludge contents of 0%, 10%, and 20%, firing temperatures of 850, 950, and 1050 °C, and residence times of 60, 120, and 180 minutes. Ceramic specimens were formed by hydraulic pressing and tested for flexural strength, water absorption, linear shrinkage, and heavy metal leaching. Although sludge incorporation slightly reduced mechanical performance and increased water absorption and shrinkage, all results remained within regulatory limits. Importantly, leaching tests demonstrated a significant reduction in the mobility of Cr and Ni, indicating the effective immobilization of these hazardous elements. These findings underscore the potential of electroplating sludge as a raw material in red ceramics, serving both as a recycling route and a strategy for environmental risk mitigation.