Análise e caracterização de cinzas do processo de incineração de resíduos de serviço de saúde para reaproveitamento

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze and characterize the ash which was produced by the incineration of waste generated by healthcare services, aiming the development of technology for its application and reuse. The study was developed by performing granulometry, X ray diffraction, and X ray fluorescence analyzes on ash samples generated by incineration of healthcare services. The feasibility of blending ashes with concrete as well as lightweight concrete was evaluated. The results of X ray fluorescence experiments identified silicon and oxygen in high concentrations, calcium and sulfur in intermediate levels, and low contents of titanium. The solid phases of calcite, calcium sulfate, silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide were identified in the ash by X ray diffraction tests. The concrete specimens blended with ash showed compressive strength similar to those of specimens without ash addition. The addition of ash to concrete with polystyrene (lightweight concrete) increased the compressive strength of the material. This study points to the possibility of reusing the ashes generated by the process of incineration of wastes from healthcare services in the manufacture of lightweight concrete, helping to minimize the amount of waste to be disposed in landfills.