The use of Mount Etna volcanic ash in the production of bricks with good physical-mechanical performance: Converting a problematic waste product into a resource for the construction industry

Volcanic ash from Mount Etna, typically a hazardous waste product causing structural damage and health risks, can be repurposed to enhance brick production. A study found that adding 10–20% volcanic ash to clay mixtures during brick firing at temperatures between 800°C and 1100°C improves durability against salt crystallization while maintaining strength above construction standards. The bricks became more compact due to sintering and vitrification, retaining their characteristic orange hue. This approach offers a sustainable solution for managing volcanic waste, converting it into a valuable resource for the construction industry.

Cultrone, G. (2022). The use of Mount Etna volcanic ash in the production of bricks with good physical-mechanical performance: Converting a problematic waste product into a resource for the construction industry. Ceramics International, 48(4), 5724–5736. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2021.11.119