Marble Slurry

Mirage: Eco Solutions from Marble Remnants

Mirage reimagines the potential of industrial waste by exploring marble slurry as an innovative material solution. Marble slurry, a by-product of the marble processing industry, poses significant environmental challenges due to its accumulation and improper disposal. This project investigates its transformative potential by asking: How can waste become a valuable resource? How can it address sustainability challenges like urban heat islands? What possibilities emerge when waste management meets material innovation?

By transforming marble slurry into functional, breathable, and aesthetically striking materials, Mirage bridges the gap between design, sustainability, and environmental consciousness. This initiative demonstrates how waste materials can be repurposed, redefined, and harnessed to mitigate environmental concerns, particularly in regions like Rajasthan.

Making process

1. Collection and Preparation
Marble slurry is sourced directly from marble processing units. The slurry, comprising fine marble particles suspended in water, is first spread out and dried under direct sunlight to evaporate excess moisture.

2. Boiling and Impurity Removal
The dried slurry is boiled in water to further refine it. This step allows impurities to separate from the slurry, ensuring a cleaner, more consistent base material for the final product.

3. Formulation of a Slurry Paste
After the material has been purified, plant-based gelatine and glycerine are introduced as natural binders. These ingredients are mixed into the slurry to form a slumpy paste, which will serve as the foundation for creating durable and porous structures.

4. Addition of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)
Once the paste cools slightly, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is added to enhance its binding properties. This step is critical for creating a cohesive material capable of retaining its structure during the drying process.

5. Drying and Finalisation
The paste is poured into moulds or spread out in thin sheets, depending on its intended application. It is then left to dry for one to two days, during which the material hardens and develops its characteristic porous texture. The final product is lightweight, water-absorbent, and highly durable, suitable for applications that require breathability and strength.

Potential Applications:
Construction: Porous tiles and panels that allow air circulation, reducing the urban heat island effect and promoting energy efficiency in hot climates like Rajasthan.
Interior Design: Decorative tiles or wall claddings that combine functionality with a striking, natural aesthetic.
Passive Cooling Systems: Incorporating these materials into urban infrastructure to improve thermal regulation and airflow.

Text submitted by the maker and edited by the Future Materials Bank. For information about reproducing (a part of) this text, please contact the maker.