A VALSA DAS MÃOS QUE MOLDAM E DÃO VIDA: Avaliação de compósito cerâmico com resíduo de rochas ornamentais

Abstract

The ability to adapt the environment to human needs is a characteristic that has marked human evolution over millennia, and among the materials used for these adaptations, rocks and ceramics are highlighted. In Maranhão, clays have contributed to identity formation, since, due to their great abundance, variety, and ease of extraction, peoples and communities have developed knowledge and techniques in their crafts. Consequently, the design applied to them increased their commercial value to such an extent that it assumed a political role, especially in the emancipation of women. As a result, many communities are financially supported by clay extraction for the production of ceramic pieces, which led to the discovery of a clay different from those usually worked with and, until then, uncatalogued, in the region of Vargem Grande – MA. The aim of this research is to characterize this clay and analyze its behavior when combined with marble waste, so that, through design, a new raw material may be presented to the community. For this purpose, the characterization process was carried out through X-ray diffraction on the raw clay and, to analyze its behavior, laboratory experiments were performed with test specimens composed of clay mixed with different percentages of ornamental stone waste: 10%, 15%, and 20%; fired at different temperatures: 900°C, 950°C, and 1000°C; and later compared with raw clay fired at the same temperatures. The technological properties analyzed were: water absorption, apparent porosity, bulk density, loss on ignition, linear shrinkage, and flexural strength. After analyzing these properties, it was concluded that the most suitable composition for artifact production was containing 15% ornamental stone waste fired at 1000°C. At the same time, it is expected that the pieces will carry new marks of the community’s personalized manifestations, enabling greater sociocultural reflection and appreciation, encouraging them to use design for their artistic expressions, and ultimately also benefiting the fields of engineering and architecture through the cataloging of this clay and inspiring new studies.