Preparation and characterization of PMMA/stone waste nanocomposites for marmoreal artificial stone industry

Abstract

The current study concerns the preparation and characterization of marmoreal solid surface materials based on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites filled with waste stones of marble, granite and basalt. Hydrophilic nanosilica and clay Halloysite nanotubules (HNTs) were the two types of nanofillers used to prepare PMMA/stone waste nanocomposites. The effect of nanofiller type and stone nature was investigated by Rockwell hardness, flexural strength, impact toughness, abrasion loss, water absorption and luminous transmittance measurements. The prepared artificial stone samples have an eye-catching decorative effect of alabaster when lighted from rear using a low energy light source.

Design and testing of artificial stone for the restoration of stone elements in monuments and historic buildings

“…artificial marble, as it is an expensive and widely used stone, based on fillers and polymer resin materials [7,8]. Recently, nanoparticles were also incorporated in mixtures as modifiers, in order to improve mechanical properties [9,10].…”

Novel Artificial Ornamental Stone Developed with Quarry Waste in Epoxy Composite

“…A possible solution is the production of artificial stones with elevated percentage of fine mineral wastes bound with either clay, cement or polymeric resin [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] . In additional to these experimental works, similar artificial stones as engineering composites using waste fragments incorporated into distinct matrices have been reported [11][12][13][14][15][16] . Lee et al 11 recycled 55 % of granite fragments and 37 % of waste glass powder mixed with unsaturated polyester to fabricate artificial stone slabs with density of 2.445 g/cm 3 .…”

“…They found significant increase in mechanical properties as compared to cement concrete for civil construction. ElBashir et al 15 characterized the technological properties of polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA, nanocomposites filled with waste stones of marble, granite and basalt for construction application in the marmoreal artificial stone industry. The main point of interest was the decorative effect of alabaster of this artificial stone with improved rigidity and abrasion resistance.…”

“…A density of about 2.3 g/cm 3 was reported for the artificial marble. As aforementioned [11][12][13][14][15][16] , both polyester and PMMA matrix artificial stones can be produced with improved properties related to mechanical resistance as well as low water absorption and density. Indeed, the polymeric resin, while fluid, penetrates in between the mineral particles.…”

“…The consequent lower water absorption and improved mechanical resistance of an artificial stone, as a two-component composite material, makes it an ideal construction product for floors and pavements 11 . For artificial stone production, polyester has been the choice of a polymeric matrix 9,[11][12][13][14][15][16] . However, a preliminary work 6 using sintering residue form steelmaking industry indicated a potential for using epoxy as polymeric matrix.…”