Construction ceramics from ore dressing waste in Murmansk region, Russia

Feasibility of converting copper-nickel, apatite-nepheline and ferriferous quartzite ore dressing tailings into clay-free construction ceramics by applying compression molding in Murmansk region, Russia, has been validated. The effect of compression molding (20, 50, 100 and 150 MPa) on ceramic properties (compressive and bending strengths, fire shrinkage, water absorption, frost resistance) has been explored. Increasing the compacting pressure is shown to improve the ceramic's physical and mechanical performance and to diminish the fire shrinkage and water absorption. Samples with a frost resistance of 50 and more cycles have been obtained. Recovering of waste in manufacture of construction ceramic materials will facilitate solving of environmental problems, create workplaces and improve housing facilities in the Murmansk region.