Use of Waste From Metallurgical Enterprises for the Production of Dry Construction Mixtures

The article presents the results of a study on the processing of silicon production waste with the development of a composite lime binder for dry building plaster mixtures intended for restoration and finishing works. The article examines the potential of using metallurgical wastes, primarily microsilica, as an active mineral additive for dry building mixtures on a lime-cement basis. Microsilica, being a by-product in the production of metallic silicon, has a high pozzolanic activity and is of interest as a component that contributes to increasing the strength, water-repellent and adhesive properties of plaster compositions. In order to obtain an effective composition for restoration and finishing work, laboratory studies were carried out, including the selection of compositions, the assessment of physical and mechanical characteristics and the analysis of environmental aspects. Metakaolin and carbonate mineral powder were used as additional modifiers, which made it possible to achieve a comprehensive improvement in the properties of materials. The results obtained showed that the inclusion of microsilica in the amount of 10 % of the binder weight provides a strength increase of up to 35 % compared to the control composition. In addition, a decrease in water absorption and an increase in the resistance of solutions to the external environment were revealed. The work confirms the technical, economic and environmental feasibility of reusing microsilica in the production of dry building mixtures, which contributes to reducing waste and increasing the sustainability of the construction industry.