Development of lightweight, environmentally friendly bricks using leather shaving and buffing dust waste.

This study explores the recycling and reuse of leather-shaving and buffing dust waste in brick production, using a new approach to convert waste into valuable materials. Bricks were produced by incorporating varying proportions (0–20%) of leather shaving and buffing dust into a mixture of clay, ash, and river sand. Both fired and non-fired methods were used to prepare bricks. The highest compressive strength was 24.46 MPa for fired bricks, and 19.22 MPa for non-fired bricks made with 10% leather dust, both exceeding the national and international standards. Other properties, including weight losses, area shrinkage, bulk density, and efflorescence, were examined, and the results were found within acceptable limits defined by ASTM and Bangladesh Standards. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed micro-fibrous structure within composite bricks, demonstrating the lightweight nature of the resulting materials. No oxidation of chromium(III) to more toxic chromium(VI) species after thermal treatment was observed by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis. Leaching analysis of metals showed their concentrations within allowable limits, indicating the quality and environmental safety of the synthesized bricks. The novelty of the study is to incorporate leather shaving and buffing dust into brick production, offering an eco-friendly solution for managing tannery waste while enhancing the mechanical properties of the resulting bricks. The current approach revealed a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution for tannery waste management, which not only reduces tannery pollution but also provides a cost-effective alternative to traditional bricks for promoting sustainability in construction industries in developing countries.