Valorisation of Ceramic Glaze Waste for Improving Burnt Brick Quality

Purpose: The study aims to utilise Ceramic Glaze Powder (CGP) to enhance the strength characteristics of burnt bricks. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed an experimental research design. The Pyrex press machine with a mould dimension of 225 x 115 x 65 was used to mould the specimen. The CGP was weighed and air-dried. Fifty per cent (50%), 25% and 5% of the clay by weight were replaced with CGP. The mixture was mixed with a sufficient amount of water and kept at room temperature. Ninety-six brick specimens were used for the study. Findings: The clay and CGP were composed of various compounds, including SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, MnO, and Na2O. The findings show that replacing clay with CGP enhances the bricks' resistance to abrasion, linear shrinkage, erodibility, and water absorption, especially when fired in a furnace. The burnt bricks' compressive strengths were 11.73 N/mm2 and 12.21 N/mm2 at 5% and 25% CGP replacements, respectively, and 7.56 N/mm2 with 50% CGP replacement, which are within acceptable quality. Research Limitation: The availability of CGP may be restricted in some areas, which could hinder its widespread application on a large scale. Practical Implication: The replacement of clay with GGP improves the compressive strength, enhances the bricks’ ability to resist water absorption, and makes the bricks more resistant to erosion. Social Implication: The use of these CGP-enhanced bricks will enable low-income communities to have easier access to building materials, thereby alleviating housing inequality and improving living standards. Originality/Value: The pottery industry utilises ceramic glaze powder for both protective and decorative coatings. Therefore, utilising it to enhance the structural integrity of burnt bricks represents a novel approach, bridging the gap between decorative ceramic applications and structural materials science.