Transforming Environmental Waste into Valuable Resources: Characterization of Clayey Sludge from Aggregate Quarries for Sustainable Traditional Ceramics - 2026
Transforming Environmental Waste into Valuable Resources: Characterization of Clayey Sludge from Aggregate Quarries for Sustainable Traditional Ceramics
Zahir, Safaa; Daoudi, Lahcen; El Ouahabi, Meriamet al.
green ceramic; industrial waste; pottery; recycling; valorization; Chemical compositions; Clayey materials; Environmental wastes; Green ceramic; Mineralogical compositions; Particles-size distributions; Pottery; Resource characterizations; Traditional ceramics; Valorisation; Geochemistry and Petrology
Abstract :
[en] The clayey sludge resulting from aggregate washing in quarries in the Marrakech region generates significant environmental impacts and adds an economic burden to the industry. This study aims to characterize these clayey sludges to explore their potential for ceramic applications. Fifteen samples were collected from various quarries along the major waterways of the Marrakech region. The physical properties of the clayey materials were analyzed through particle size distribution and plasticity limits. The mineralogical composition was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The chemical composition was determined through X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The amounts of carbonates and volatiles were determined by calcimetry and loss on ignition at 500°C and 950°C, respectively. The results revealed SiO. and Al.O. as dominant oxides, with quartz, feldspars, and clay minerals as the main phases, along with minor amounts of calcite and hematite. Illite is the dominant clay mineral, followed by kaolinite and chlorite. These clayey material exhibits low to medium plasticity and variable particle size distributions. The chemical composition of these sludges confirms their potential for red ceramic applications. However, their low plasticity, variable particle size distribution, and mineralogical composition, characterized by a low clay mineral content, limit their direct applicability. To improve their suitability for ceramic production, adding clay-rich materials is essential to enhance their mineralogical composition, granulometry, and plasticity. Furthermore, the results provide a valuable guide for selecting local materials for Marrakech pottery and can serve as a model for other regions.
Research Center/Unit :
Geology - ULiège
Disciplines :
Earth sciences & physical geography
Author, co-author :
Zahir, Safaa; Georesources, Geoenvironment and Civil Engineering Laboratory (L3G), Faculty of Science and Technology, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
Daoudi, Lahcen; Georesources, Geoenvironment and Civil Engineering Laboratory (L3G), Faculty of Science and Technology, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
El Ouahabi, Meriam ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géologie > Argiles, géochimie et environnements sédimentaires
Fagel, Nathalie ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de géologie > Argiles, géochimie et environnements sédimentaires
Language :
English
Title :
Transforming Environmental Waste into Valuable Resources: Characterization of Clayey Sludge from Aggregate Quarries for Sustainable Traditional Ceramics
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