The Use of Glass from Photovoltaic Panels at the End of Their Life Cycle in Cement Composites

Abstract

This article deals with the use of photovoltaic panels at the end of their life cycle in cement composites. Attention is focused on the properties of cement composite after 100% replacement of natural aggregate with recycled glass from photovoltaic panels. This goal of replacing natural filler sources with recycled glass is based on the updated policy of the Czech Republic concerning secondary raw materials for the period of 2019–2022, which aims to increase the self-sufficiency of the Czech Republic in raw materials by replacing primary sources with secondary raw materials. The policy also promotes the use of secondary raw materials as a tool to reduce the material and energy demands of industrial production and supports the innovations and development of a circular economy within business. The research has shown that it is possible to prepare cement composite based on recycled glass from solar panels, with compressive and flexural strength after 28 days exceeding 40 MPa and 4 MPa. Furthermore, a possible modification of the cement composite with different pigments has been confirmed, without disrupting the contact zone.

Extracts of Cement Composites Based on Recycled Glass

“…The test specimens R1 to R5 were prepared according to the formulas [13]. The procedure of preparation of fresh cement mixture based on recycled glass was performed in accordance with ČSN EN 196-1 [14].…”

Multicomponent Low Initial Molar Ratio of SiO2/Al2O3 Geopolymer Mortars: Pilot Research

“…Skripkiūnas et al [ 31 ] investigated the properties of concrete containing various quantities of copper indium selenide (CIS) solar module waste by replacing a certain part (up to 40%) of sand and observed that the compressive strength of the specimens was higher when the sand aggregate was replaced by CIS solar module waste particles from 5 to 20%. Máčalová et al [ 32 ] replaced 100% of natural aggregates with recycled glass from PV panels in concrete made of Portland cement. The awareness of the harmful effect of glass on cement concrete, which is related to the alkali–silica reaction (ASR), is commonly present [ 17 , 33 , 34 ].…”

Special Issue “Research and Development of Building Materials Based on Industrial Waste”

“…This Special Issue presents original research results in the following areas: the use of solar panels after the end of their life cycles in the production of cement composites [1]; the radioactivity of building materials in historical buildings [2]; the use of silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ) and silicon powder (Si) in the production of briquettes with defined properties [3]; the utilization of by-products of solid waste incineration in concrete production [4]; the comparison of the thermal conductivity of aerated concrete based on fly ash [5]; the utilization of by-products of the incineration of solid municipal waste in the production of foam concrete [6]; the mechanical properties of micropowder cement mortar and engineered cementitious composites (ECC), involving investigations of the use of different methods of processing for municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) as a mineral admixture [7]; the use of marble dust and blast furnace slag in the production of self-compacting concrete [8]; a new method for the synthesis of insulating aerogel via recycling solid waste coal gangue, which has the potential to reduce the industrial production costs of silica aerogels and realize the high-value-added utilization of solid waste [9]; strength tests and numerical simulations of the Loess modified by desulfurization ash and fly ash [10]; research on the rheological properties of cement paste prepared using silica fume [11]; and, finally, research on the properties of cement paste prepared from superfine basalt powder [12].…”