Elucidating the effects of solar panel waste glass substitution on the physical and mechanical characteristics of clay bricks

Abstract

This study deals with the effect of solar panel waste glass on fired clay bricks. Brick samples were heated to temperatures which varied from 700-1000 degrees C for 6 h, with a heating rate of 10 degrees C min(-1). The material properties of the resultant material were then determined, including speciation variation, loss on ignition, shrinkage, bulk density, 24-h absorption rate, compressive strength and salt crystallization. The results indicate that increasing the amount of solar panel waste glass resulted in a decrease in the water absorption rate and an increase in the compressive strength of the solar panel waste glass bricks. The 24-h absorption rate and compressive strength of the solar panel waste glass brick made from samples containing 30% solar panel waste glass sintered at 1000 degrees C all met the Chinese National Standard (CNS) building requirements for first-class brick (compressive strengths and water absorption of the bricks were 300 kg cm(-2) and 10% of the brick, respectively). The addition of solar panel waste glass to the mixture reduced the degree of firing shrinkage. The salt crystallization test and wet-dry tests showed that the addition of solar panel waste glass had highly beneficial effects in that it increased the durability of the bricks. This indicates that solar panel waste glass is indeed suitable for the partial replacement of clay in bricks.

Influence of Gypsum Waste Utilization on Properties and Leachability of Fired Clay Brick

“…The 10, 20, 30 and 40% gypsum brick recorded 1805, 1711, 1672 and 1429 kg/m 3 of dry density values, respectively, which decreased gradually with the increase in gypsum waste incorporation. The same results were reported where the weight of the bricks was reduced when the waste content was increased [ 28 , 29 ]. Meanwhile, the control brick had the highest dry density with 1830 kg/m 3 whilst the lowest density was 50% of gypsum brick with the value of 1216 kg/m 3 .…”

“…Meanwhile, the control brick had the highest dry density with 1830 kg/m 3 whilst the lowest density was 50% of gypsum brick with the value of 1216 kg/m 3 . The particle density of the bricks decreased when the sludge waste was added proportionally, which is supported by [ 28 , 29 ]. This trend related to the specific gravity (SG) value of the clay soil, which was higher than gypsum waste and had affected the density of the bricks since more water was absorbed into the larger pores within the brick bodies.…”

Environmental and Circular Economy Implications of Solar Energy in a Decarbonized U.S. Grid

“…Literature reveals open-loop recycling pathways wherein materials recovered from PV modules are used in non-PV applications. The materials recovered from c-Si PV modules can potentially be reused in lithium-ion batteries, 236 cement and concrete, [237][238][239] paper production, 240 ceramic tiles, 241 geopolymers, 242 clay bricks, 243 and medical applications 244 (Figure 3). Conversely, there is scope to reuse materials recovered from non-PV products in PV systems.…”

Photovoltaic Glass Waste Recycling in the Development of Glass Substrates for Photovoltaic Applications

“…Diverse pathways of solar panel waste glass recycling have been proposed; the most common is its reincorporation to the solar panel production [ 7 , 8 ]. Other proposed methods of recycling consist of mixing this waste with other residues in the production of different products, such as glass fiber [ 3 , 9 ] clay bricks [ 10 , 11 ] glass-ceramic materials [ 12 , 13 ] and zeolites [ 14 ].…”