Characterization of gypsum plasterboard with polyurethane foam waste reinforced with polypropylene fibers

Abstract

Gypsum plasterboard that incorporates various combinations of polyurethane foam waste and polypropylene fibers in its matrix is studied. The prefabricated material was characterized in a series of standardized tests: bulk density, maximum breaking load under flexion stress, total water absorption, surface hardness, thermal properties, and reaction to fire performance. Polypropylene fibers were added to the polyurethane gypsum composites to improve the mechanical behavior of the plasterboard under loading. The results indicate that increased quantities of polymer waste led to significant reductions in the weight/surface ratio, the mechanical strength and the surface hardness of the gypsum, as well as improving its thermal resistance. The polypropylene fibers showed good adhesion to the polymer and the gypsum matrix, which enhanced the mechanical performance and the absorption capacity of these compounds. The non-combustibility test demonstrated the potential of the new material for use in internal linings. RESUMEN: Caracterización de placas de yeso con residuos de espuma de poliuretano reforzadas con fibras de polipropileno.Este artículo presenta un estudio experimental basado en la reutilización de residuos de poliuretano en una matriz de yeso para elaborar una placa de yeso laminado. Las placas fueron caracterizadas mediante los ensayos normalizados de densidad aparente, carga de rotura máxima a flexión, absorción total de agua, dureza superficial y reacción al fuego. Se han introducido fibras de polipropileno en la matriz con el objetivo de aumentar la resistencia mecánica del material. Los resultados muestran que el incremento de residuo polimérico en el material implica importantes reducciones de peso, resistencia mecánica y dureza superficial, a la par que se mejora su resistencia térmica consiguiéndose valores similares a los comerciales. Las fibras de polipropileno mostraron una buena adhesión con el polímero, mejorando el comportamiento mecánico y la capacidad de absorción. El ensayo de reacción al fuego confirmó que los residuos de poliuretano pueden ser empleados en la fabricación de placas de yeso laminado en cumplimiento con la normativa.

Recycling and Disposal Methods for Polyurethane Wastes: A Review

“…The PU filler loading decreases the density while, the thermal resistance improves proportionally. The reaction to fire of these composites measured with the non combustibility test confirmed that taking only into account the influence of the constituents to fire development, its composition is classified as Euroclasses A2 according to European fire reaction classification of building materials for homogeneous products [14].…”

Characterization of Polyurethane Foam Waste for Reuse in Eco-Efficient Building Materials

“…Different substitutions have been made in previous studies, of plaster type A1 for rigid PU foam waste [24,25]. The conclusion was reached that the optimal ratio of components in volume could be (1/1.5), that is, 1part gypsum with 1.5 parts of polyurethane foam waste.…”

Reuse of CD and DVD Wastes as Reinforcement in Gypsum Plaster Plates

“…Mainly, it is used as an interior lining material for walls, partitions and ceilings, and it can be used as a prefabricated plate or as a plaster directly applied onto walls [1]. The gypsum industry has sought to design prefabricated elements with good mechanical behaviour, fundamentally that of strength while being bent, while also having adequate thermal and acoustic properties [2][3][4].…”