Abstract
This study examines the potential for reducing the consumption of natural clay raw materials while simultaneously recycling various types of waste in the production of clay ceramic materials. Crushed ceramics, thermal power plant slag, and cullet were used as technogenic components. The compositions were prepared using clay with varying waste content (5-20% by weight relative to clay) and the addition of an alkaline additive, NaOH (10% of the clay weight). After forming cylindrical samples, they were dried and fired at temperatures up to 1000 °C for 1 hour. The chemical composition of the raw materials was studied using XRF/EDS, and the microstructure was studied using SEM. Density, water absorption, linear shrinkage, and compressive strength were determined. The combined introduction of waste has a synergistic effect on the sintering processes and structure formation. Glass cullet acts as a fluxing agent and promotes compaction of the body, ceramic waste acts as an inert filler, reducing the risk of deformation, and slag introduces reactive aluminosilicate components that influence phase formation. An optimal waste content range has been demonstrated: moderate dosages improve performance without compromising processability. The best results were obtained with a composition of 10% glass cullet, 10% ceramic waste, and 5% slag (at 10% NaOH): compressive strength was 16 MPa, water absorption was approximately 7%, and density was approximately 1.32 g/cm3. The results confirm the potential of integrated waste recycling for producing ceramic materials at lower firing temperatures.