SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: ARTIFACTS WITH CO-PRODUCTS FROM THE ALUMINA INDUSTRY

Motivated by the need to explore sustainable alternatives in construction materials, this pioneering study investigated the feasibility of using alumina byproduct in mortar production, an area unexplored in the literature. Despite the alkaline nature of the byproduct, its addition to mortars demonstrated to provide adequate strength and reduced environmental impact. The gradual introduction of the byproduct resulted in a slight reduction in compressive strength but remained within acceptable standards. Chemical analyses revealed significant increases in iron oxide, sodium, and alumina content in the samples, imparting distinctive characteristics to the mortars. Environmentally, the samples were classified as non-inert class II-A, indicating a lower ecological footprint. Artifacts produced from A2 and A3 samples exhibited good compressive strength and a reddish finish due to the presence of iron oxide. This study offers a sustainable and innovative perspective on the reuse of industrial waste, with potential benefits for both the industry and the environment.