Utilização de vidros reciclados em substituição parcial de fritas na produção de revestimentos cerâmicos

Abstract

This paper presents an academic research focused on the utilization of ceramic waste, emphasizing the production of materials such as frits, engobes, and glazes. The main objective is to minimize economic losses, promote the circular economy, and ensure the socioeconomic sustainability of the ceramic industry and the environment. The research was conducted in the laboratory of the Esmalglass-Itaca company and was structured in two stages: Literature Review and Experimentation. The central focus is to investigate the feasibility of using recycled glass from electronics and windows in the formulation of ceramic engobes, as an innovative solution for ceramic waste management. Among the specific objectives are the classification of ceramics and frits, the analysis of their properties, and the verification of the technical feasibility of incorporating waste. The literature review covered studies on the reuse of waste in the production of frits and ceramic coatings, with an emphasis on two types of recycled glass: those from electronics (CRT) and flat glass (windows). The experimentation involved the formulation of ceramic engobes with the partial substitution of traditional raw materials by these recycled glasses. The theoretical foundation includes the definition, characteristics, and manufacturing processes of ceramics, engobes, and glazes, in addition to describing various categories of ceramics (such as red, white, refractory, and advanced) and different types of ceramic frits (alkaline, borax-based, and zinc-alkaline). In the experimental phase, four engobe formulations were developed, incorporating different proportions of CRT glass and flat glass (5% and 10%), which were applied to ceramic bases and fired at 1,140°C. The performance was evaluated based on impermeability and aesthetic tests.Therefore, this paper not only focuses on ceramic production and the manufacturing of frits and coatings, but also highlights the importance of waste recycling techniques aimed at increasing industrial efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability, integrating the circular economy into the ceramic sector.