Study of a New Plaster Composite Based on Dune Sand and Expanded Polystyrene as Aggregates

Abstract

Introduction:This study aims to highlight the physicomechanical properties of a new lightweight construction material which is composed of plaster as a binder and dune sand and Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) as aggregates.Methods:For this purpose, different mixtures were designed with different percentages and particle sizes of EPS aggregates in order to test the porosity, the density and the thermo-mechanical properties of the studied composite. Furthermore, Electron Microscopy (EM) visualisation and SEM analysis were used for the study of the structure and the interface “paste-aggregates”.Results and Conclusion:The obtained results showed that the progressive incorporation of an increasing percentage of PSE decreases the density of the plaster composite and consequently improves its thermal properties. As expected, the mechanical strength decreases with the increase of the EPS content, but relatively good mechanical strength can be obtained with low quantities of EPS. Concerning the material structure, it should be noted that the composite appears more or less homogeneous and the EPS beads adhere well to the plaster matrix.

Thermo-mechanical Characterization of Insulating Bio-plasters Containing Recycled Volcanic Pyroclasts

“…These results are in line with those reported by Laoubi et al [19], with regard to the thermal conductivity of plaster composite containing Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and dune sand as aggregates. The authors found the values of thermal conductivity ranging from 0.75 to 0.2 W/mK as the content of EPS increased from 0 to 50% (Fig.…”

“…Otherwise, as expected, the porosity increases with the increase of the AEA; once again a variation in the gradient is observed for AEA of 0.05%. These results can be compared with the research by Laoubi et al [19], who determined the compressive and flexural strengths of a lightweight construction material composed of plaster as a binder and dune sand and Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) as aggregates. According to the proportion and sizes of particles of EPS, the authors found a mean compressive and flexural strength of about 2.8 and 1.5 MPa respectively, in correspondence with the percentage of EPS content of 50%.…”

“…In recycled printing circuit boards, plastic materials have been used for producing thermo-insulating panels [18]. The physical-mechanical properties of a lightweight construction material composed of plaster, dune sand and Expanded Polystyrene Beads (EPS) are investigated [19]. A considerable number of studies about the possibility of incorporating waste from the most varied sources in concrete and pavement mixtures have been conducted in the past decade by Siddique and coauthors (see for instance the latest papers) [20 -24].…”

Investigation of the mechanical and thermal characteristics of an eco-insulating material made of plaster and date palm fibers

“…This decrease in density can be considered the first positive characteristic of natural fibers, as lightweight building materials are greatly encouraged in modern engineering. This phenomenon is always taking place on composite with plaster and vegetable fibers according to several works such as Laoubi et al [17], and Ochang et al [18].…”

“…These results can be explained, on the one hand, by the fact that the palm fibers had lower thermal conductivity than plaster. In this sense, several researchers have used this argument to explain the decrease in thermal conductivity of the plaster reinforced with natural fibers [17]. Moreover, on the other hand, other researchers have also attributed this behavior to the voids entrapped between the palm fibers and the plaster, due to the weak adhesion between the fibers and the matrix and to poor samples preparation, which creates closed porosity zones, thus increasing the insulation aspect of the material.…”