Use of Polycarbonate Waste as Aggregate in Recycled Gypsum Plasters

Abstract

<jats:p>The use of gypsum as an indoor coating material for buildings is very extensive. This means that huge amounts of gypsum waste are generated daily worldwide. Therefore, many researchers in the last years have been working on the generation of new gypsum-related materials and products that incorporate recycled gypsum waste as a replacement for the commercial one. On the other hand, trying to reduce the large amounts of plastic generated globally each year, several studies have used different types of plastic waste as aggregates for the development of new construction and building materials. However, up to now, no previous studies have been found in which any type of plastic waste has been used as an aggregate in a recycled gypsum matrix. This paper presents a study in which two different types of waste were mixed for the development of new gypsum plasters: unheated gypsum waste from industrial plasterboard production (GPW) and polycarbonate (PC) waste from rejected compact discs (CDs) and digital versatile discs (DVDs). In this sense, the mechanical and thermal performance of plasters was evaluated. Finally, in order to evaluate the changes in the microstructure of the composites, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was conducted. The results showed a good performance of the new composites when both types of waste were combined in the mixes. New lightweight eco-efficient plasters, completely recycled, with enhanced flexural strength (by 14.8%), compressive strength (by 26.8%), and thermal conductivity (42.8% less), compared to the reference material, were achieved.</jats:p>

Study of the Mechanical and Physical Behavior of Gypsum Boards with Plastic Cable Waste Aggregates and Their Application to Construction Panels

“…Similar results have also been observed in the studies of other researchers [ 14 , 40 , 41 , 43 ] where, by introducing polymeric residues, the deforming capacity of the mixtures was increased.…”

“…From the load-displacement graphs of each of the mixtures, the higher flexural strength and stiffness of the reference, as well as the reduction of the flexural strength of the composites with PR and their higher deformation capacity (elasticity), can be deduced (Figure 9). Similar results have also been observed in the studies of other researchers [14,40,41,43] where, by introducing polymeric residues, the deforming capacity of the mixtures was increased.…”

“…In other words, the incorporation of PR produced a lower porosity, which resulted in a higher value for the apparent density of the composites with PR, compared to the reference one; the higher the PR content, the higher the density, as the pore volume decreased. Similar results have also been observed in the studies of other researchers [14,40,41,43] where, by introducing polymeric residues, the deforming capacity of the mixtures was increased.…”

Analysis and Economic Evaluation of the Use of Recycled Polyamide Powder in Masonry Mortars

“…For plastics and polymers, which are two of the main industrial byproducts and home waste materials [ 2 ], various processes are being conducted to reuse and recycle them, such as mechanical recycling (secondary polymers are obtained through mechanical processes), chemical recycling (monomers are recovered to be employed as new virgin polymers or are transformed in other useful materials), and energy recovery (energy is obtained from the combustion of post-consumer plastics) [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. Additionally, the introduction as fillers in other materials is becoming a possible solution for plastic and polymeric waste materials, especially in construction materials, with examples of reuse in various structural materials, such as concrete [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ], mortars [ 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], bituminous materials for pavements [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ], and gypsum [ 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 ].…”

Characterization and under Water Action Behaviour of a New Plaster-Based Lightened Composites for Precast

“…Among the possible solutions is the incorporation of plastic materials into the manufacturing process of gypsum and plaster composites. These polymeric materials are positioned as a technically valid and economically viable option to improve the performance of prefabricated plaster and plasterboard commonly used in buildings [ 13 , 14 ]. In this sense, some studies show how the incorporation of plastic waste in the plaster composite matrix improves the performance of these materials, reducing the total water absorption coefficient, and decreases their permeability to water vapour [ 15 ].…”