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Abstract

Brick manufactured from mosaic sludge waste and clay is investigated considering the huge volume that has been produced and the effect towards the environment. In this study, the research attempt to reuse two types of mosaic sludge from polishing (PS) and body mill (BS) process conducted in mosaic industries to be incorporated into fired clay brick. The mosaic sludge is used to replace the raw material which is clay up to 10%. In this investigation, the composition and concentration of heavy metals were determined by using X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF). Physical and mechanical properties test were conducted (compressive strength, shrinkage, density and initial rate of suction). The results show that PS brick (5%) and BS brick (5%) obtained the highest compressive strength, low density and less total shrinkage compared to other percentages. Nevertheless, all properties for all bricks incorporated with different percentages of mosaic sludge were complied with the British Standard 3291:1985. Both mosaic sludge (PS and BS) could be an alternative low cost material for brick and at the same time provide an environmental friendly disposal method for the waste.