Manufacture of a construction material using the physicochemical properties of ash and sludge wastes from MDF board production

The need to reduce and recycle industrial wastes is increasing apace due to the rising cost of water and of effluent disposal, and the need for compliance with environmental legislation. The purpose of this work was to study the use of sludge derived from the physicochemical treatment involved in the MDF board production process, and to take advantage of the physicochemical properties of ash, sludge and lime production wastes for the manufacture of a new product with improved characteristics for use in civil construction. To this end, samples were prepared with different combinations of the aforementioned wastes and their mechanical, chemical and mineralogical properties were tested and analyzed to obtain a product with optimal characteristics and mechanical strength. The results indicate that a waste content of 30–45% in weight provides good levels of mechanical strength, making these products suitable for application as construction materials. Moreover, the use of these industrial wastes is economically attractive in view of their low cost, and highly beneficial to the environment because it eliminates or at least reduces their incorrect disposal.