Cement Mortars with Incorporation of Foundry Industry Wastes: Physical, Mechanical and Durability Behavior

Abstract

Planet Earth is facing real challenges that require urgent and significant measures. It is necessary to give a new direction to the construction sector, making it essential to change the way that raw material is selected, giving preference to industrial by-products. The utilization of industrial wastes allows minimize the high consumption of natural raw materials, energy consumption and waste deposition in landfills. It is important to note that the use of waste in the construction industry is a great opportunity, however, the heterogeneity of these materials and sometimes their contamination can compromise the durability. The lost-wax process in foundry industry is currently an expanding area, so more and more manufacturing industries have serious problems related to their waste management. During its production process, wastes of ceramic mold shells and paraffinic wax are generated and until now any practical application is known. The main objective of this study was the correlation between the physical, mechanical behavior and durability of cement mortars with incorporation of paraffin wax and ceramic mold shells. The main results revealed a decrease in water absorption, flexural strength, and compressive strength of the mortars, along with a slight increase in degradation during freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, a correlation was observed between the physical, mechanical performance, and durability of the mortars. This included factors such as water absorption through immersion and capillarity, as well as the relationship between compressive strength and the mass loss suffered during freeze-thaw tests.