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Peer-reviewedCC BY-NC-NDACS omega

High-Phosphogypsum Bricks: Microstructural, Mechanical, and Radiological Optimization According to Clay Type for Circular Construction

  • Mohamed Abdelkader Hafiene1,2
  • Mohamed Krichen1,3
  • Hatem Ksibi1,3
  • Elimame Elaloui1
  1. 1Université de Gafsa, Faculté des Sciences de Gafsa , ,
  2. 2Université de Gabes, Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Gabes , ,
  3. 3Université de Sfax, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes d’Ingénieur de Sfax , ,
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Abstract

This study explores the valorization of phosphogypsum (PG) in clay-based composites for sustainable production of bricks, addressing key factors such as drying behavior, mechanical performance, microstructure, porosity, and radiological safety. The analysis of drying kinetics reveals a rapid mass loss during the first 120 min, with intermediate PG–clay ratios (50:50) promoting optimal pore connectivity. Mechanical testing of fired composites indicates that green clay–PG (50:50) has the greatest performance, with a Young’s modulus over 2000 MPa and a maximum load capacity of 4000 N. Additionally, porosity decreases from ∼40% in the unfired condition to ∼10% after firing. Microstructural analysis confirms well-connected sintering necks and a cohesive clay–PG network. Radiological assessment indicates radium-equivalent activity of ≈50 Bq/kg for green clay composites, safely below the regulatory limit of 370 Bq/kg, while yellow PG formulations approach 257.6 Bq/kg. A multi-criteria optimization identifies the PG50–G50 (green clay) formulation as optimal, providing a balanced combination of mechanical strength, structural integrity, low porosity, and radiological safety. These findings indicate that fired PG–clay composites represent a viable route for producing high-performance, eco-friendly construction materials, supporting waste valorization, circular economy concepts, and advancing sustainable building practices.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{hafiene2026highphosphogypsum,
  title = {{High-Phosphogypsum Bricks: Microstructural, Mechanical, and Radiological Optimization According to Clay Type for Circular Construction}},
  author = {Mohamed Abdelkader Hafiene and Mohamed Krichen and Hatem Ksibi and Elimame Elaloui},
  journal = {ACS omega},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.1021/acsomega.6c06431},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13670258},
  note = {CC BY-NC-ND},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - High-Phosphogypsum Bricks: Microstructural, Mechanical, and Radiological Optimization According to Clay Type for Circular Construction
AU  - Mohamed Abdelkader Hafiene
AU  - Mohamed Krichen
AU  - Hatem Ksibi
AU  - Elimame Elaloui
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/30
JO  - ACS omega
DO  - 10.1021/acsomega.6c06431
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13670258
AB  - This study explores the valorization of phosphogypsum (PG) in clay-based composites for sustainable production of bricks, addressing key factors such as drying behavior, mechanical performance, microstructure, porosity, and radiological safety. The analysis of drying kinetics reveals a rapid mass loss during the first 120 min, with intermediate PG–clay ratios (50:50) promoting optimal pore connectivity. Mechanical testing of fired composites indicates that green clay–PG (50:50) has the greatest performance, with a Young’s modulus over 2000 MPa and a maximum load capacity of 4000 N. Additionally, porosity decreases from ∼40% in the unfired condition to ∼10% after firing. Microstructural analysis confirms well-connected sintering necks and a cohesive clay–PG network. Radiological assessment indicates radium-equivalent activity of ≈50 Bq/kg for green clay composites, safely below the regulatory limit of 370 Bq/kg, while yellow PG formulations approach 257.6 Bq/kg. A multi-criteria optimization identifies the PG50–G50 (green clay) formulation as optimal, providing a balanced combination of mechanical strength, structural integrity, low porosity, and radiological safety. These findings indicate that fired PG–clay composites represent a viable route for producing high-performance, eco-friendly construction materials, supporting waste valorization, circular economy concepts, and advancing sustainable building practices.
SN  - 2470-1343
ER  -