Eco-friendly construction materials using gypsum and industrial wastes

Abstract

The sustainable construction greatly depends on the use of alternative products, such as industrial wastes. This paper reports the development of new composite materials based on gypsum incorporating granulated cork, a by-product of cork industry, cellulose fibres from waste paper and recycled used tyre fibres. The composite material developed is intended to be used as boards for non structural elements of construction, such as dry walls and ceilings. This research work studied the characteristics of the gypsum binder commercially available and its properties, as well as composite boards. In order to enhance the water resistance and mechanical properties of the composites several mineral additions were evaluated. Physical and mechanical properties of the developed boards were studied. Finally, fibre reinforced composites using waste materials were produced and analysed. Conditions and procedures of production were also studied using a pressure curing method in order to improve further the performance of the boards.