A Metallurgical Approach Toward Bloating of Canal-Dredging Sediments

The similarity of the fine fraction dredged freshwater sediments to natural clays stimulates valorization in a product similar expanded clay aggregates, obtained by bloating at high temperature. impact ratios between different flux elements (Fe2O3 + CaO MgO K2O Na2O) on melting behavior is quantified using thermodynamic modeling and validated with experiments. total content alkalis found be key controlling bloating. Increased alkali triggers formation feldspars that start melt low temperature give rise gradual increase amount ratio (CaO Na2O)/Al2O3 should preferably smaller than or close 1 avoid excessive pyroxene formation, which causes complete meltdown granules around 1150 °C. chemical composition has complex influence behavior, even when same location SiO2–Al2O3–flux diagram. conventional approach trying modify towards certain range ternary diagram does not work for all materials, therefore, understanding phase (= metallurgical approach) provided this shown crucial produce lightweight aggregates from materials higher variability.