Characterize and utilization of chrome shaved leather waste for block production –at ETHIO-LEATHER INDUSTRY PLC (ELICO-Awash Tannery)

Abstract

Chrome shaving waste is one of the highly generated solid wastes from the Leather industry. There is no proper utilization of these huge amounts of waste. It has been found that leather chrome shaved tannery waste is one of the good replacing materials in the construction industry. The objective of this study was an attempt to investigate the characterization and utilization of chrome shaved lather waste for solid block production, by using a raw material of chrome shaved leather waste, cements, aggregates and water as binders. In this investigation the sequence for the production of block clearly explained Chrome characterization such as ash content, moisture contents, PH. Chrome content, FTIR, SEM, DSC/TGA were done then mixing of raw material. Raw materials requirements are Ordinary Portland Cements, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, Chrome Shaved and Water with a water cement ratio of 0.45. The constructed concrete block was also determined experimentally using standard methods as per standard ratio of 1:1.33:2.07 water to cements ratio 0.45 were used. The various percentages of chrome shaved leather that use to cast the specimen are 0%, 5%, 10, %, 15% and 20% three each quantity of Size of block 150 mm x150 mmx150 mm, 150 mm diameter by 300 mm and cured for 7th and 28th days and Finally Physical testing of block; compressive strength, tensile strength, density, moisture content and FTIR, DSC/TGA were conducted, summarized and analyzed by using tables, excel graphics. Results show that for 28th days maximum compressive strength achieved 37.33 N/mm2 by 15%, split tensile strength of block that’s achieved maximum for 28th days 4.20 N/mm2, density of the block at 15% achieved 1905.6 kg/m3 and water absorption 9.2 %. In the present study utilization of chrome shaved waste suitable for health and safety working conditions for worker and reducing environmental pollution as well as, chrome shaved fibers that are used as a reinforcing agent with block concrete so that there is a significant increase in the structural properties of block concrete. In other hand leather chrome shaved tannery waste is abundant in nature; a proper replacement of tannery waste over the fine aggregate not only reduces the tannery waste but also reduce demand for fine aggregate. The concrete produced due to this replacement have reduced weight and also possess higher strength than the conventional solid concrete block.