Utilization of waste glass to enhance physical–mechanical properties of fired clay brick

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the enhancement of physical–mechanical properties of fired clay brick by incorporating waste glass in order to reduce the firing temperature. The ground waste glass was incorporated to the clay body at the dosages of 0, 5 and 10% by weight. Three temperatures viz., 900, 950 and 1000 °C were used for firing. Compressive strength, water absorption, density, and porosity of the fired clay bricks were tested. The study showed that the incorporation of up to 10 wt.% of waste glass to clay bricks and fired at the temperatures of 900–1000 °C enhanced the properties of fired clay bricks. The SEM micrographs showed the increased glass phase and reduced porosity with waste glass addition. The use of 10 wt.% waste glass and firing at 900 °C yielded bricks with similar strength compared to that of normal clay brick fired at 1000 °C. This allowed the use of low firing temperature of 900 °C instead of the normally used 1000 °C. The study also revealed that in addition to the glass phase fused-bond with the clay brick bodies, the fusion of crystalline quartz in clay also played an important role in enhancing the properties of clay bricks. As a conclusion, waste glass can be utilized in making brick to enhance the physical–mechanical properties of the fired clay brick or to lower the firing temperature.