The diffusion of plastic materials had and still has a significant impact on the environment. Among these, PVC (polyvinylchloride) is certainly able to guarantee the best cost/performance ratio, high sustainability and absolute recyclability. In particular, this work refers to cement-based mortars with PVC compound used for electric cables sheathing. The aim was to verify the potential of a "new" mix-design in terms of energy efficiency and mechanical resistance of the finished products. Some mortar specimens were prepared using as basic components cement, water, sand and PVC as powder and granules. The plastic aggregate, in volumetric substitution of the sand, has been varied in proportions varying up to 50 % of the dry component. Different mixtures were prepared, all referred to a base one without PVC, to evaluate its influence on workability, thermal conductivity, compressive and flexural strength, capillary water absorption. Experimental results have shown that increasing the amount of PVC reduces density as well as compressive and flexural strength. However, PVC mortars show a greater resistance to capillary water absorption compared to the reference one, while the thermal conductivity values slightly decrease. This study is the basis for subsequent research based on further combinations of aggregates.
Plastic has become an essential part of our modern lifestyle and its global diffusion has led to a significant increase in the production of related waste, with obvious repercussions on the environment and on the entire sustainability chain. Recycling this kind of materials in the field of civil and industrial engineering is considered an ecological and economical solution due to the advantages it can offer. This paper represents the results of experimental investigations of mechanical strength, hygrothermal and durability properties of two kinds of products: urban tiles (90 % PVC powder and 10 % polyurethane resin) and cement-based mortars reinforced with PVC compound coming out of electric cable protective sheath. The manufactured mortars were obtained by the volumetric substitution of the sand with five different percentages of plastic waste, from 10 % to 50 %. Plastic aggregates reduce density, causing a decrease in flexural and compressive strength of mortars. Nevertheless, the presence of plastic aggregate leads to a significant improvement of thermal insulation and shows a greater resistance to capillary water absorption compared to the reference one. The mechanical tests after two different cycles of accelerated solar aging of urban tiles demonstrated the feasibility of its use for external flooring (green parking). These results foster future studies about the development of increasingly eco-sustainable building materials.
This paper describes the results of an experimentation carried out at the ENEA laboratories of Trisaia Research Center concerning an innovative cellular concrete, covered by an international patent (patent WO/2019/049005): The Bio Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (BAAC). This innovative material preserves the characteristics of the commercial aerated Autoclavated concrete, but in its formulation the metallic aluminum powder does not cause the aeration process that determines the development of the porosity. On the contrary an organic agent is used as biocatalysts of hydrogen peroxide breakdown reactions, whereby molecular oxygen and water are obtained as reaction products. Many are the advantages deriving from the proposed new approach, considering the particular nature of the aerating agent: from the economic affordability, to a greater environmental sustainability thanks to simplification and safety of the entire production process. BAAC samples with a density of 500 kg/m 3 were produced and characterized by a physical and mechanical point of view, according to the technical standards. The results obtained are very similar to those of the AAC. The final product is therefore proposed as a green product, on which we are still working in order to include in the mix design components derived from by-products of other industrial processes.
The aim of BIO-CEM project is focused to test an innovative patented concrete aeration system in scale-up pre-industial production of aerated autoclaved concrete blocks. The aeration system refers to the Bio-Aerated Autoclavated Concrete (BAAC) international patent n°102017000101039 - WO/2019/049005, developed by the ENEA researchers. This activity research is included in the “Proof of Concept Program” granted by ENEA (Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development) in 2018, aiming to reduce the gap between research results and industrial application. The targets of BAAC innovation are addressed to energy saving, CO2 reduction and environmental sustainability, obtained also by complete recycling of waste materials. In this regard, preliminary experiments were conducted in laboratory to test different types of mix design for the optimization of quality parameters such as: mechanical strength, thermal insulation and environmental impact. These tests are the first step of the industrial scale up, made in partnership with EKORU srl that has contributed with its own expertise and industrial plant facility.
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