Manufacture and characterisation of a new lightweight plaster for application in wet rooms under circular economy criteria

Zaragoza-Benzala, Alicia. Ferrández, Daniel. Diaz-Velilla, Jorge P & Zúniga- Vicente, Jose A.

Location

ScienceDirect

Abstract

The use of circular economy criteria for designing new materials is becoming a key factor for the sustainable development of the building sector and the improved performance of construction companies. This research introduces a new plaster composite material in which the original raw material is partially replaced by expanded polystyrene waste in solution and end-of-life tyre textile fibre. This new material has been tested to verify its behaviour in humidity-drying cycles, recording good mechanical properties with strengths well above the values required by current regulations, even after being subjected to the severe effects of these accelerated ageing cycles. A lightened plaster composite has therefore been developed in which the recycled material is fully integrated into the matrix, thereby obtaining a technically viable product for the manufacture of prefabricated products for wet rooms. In addition, a simulation has been carried out using FlexSim 3D modelling and analysis software, which has corroborated the improvement in the further distribution process of a prototype of a prefabricated false ceiling panel made with this new product, as well as the reduction in costs due to more efficient transportation and a lower environmental impact.

Let's make the use of biobased and recovered raw materials the new standard.

Let's make the use of biobased and recovered raw materials the new standard.

Let's make the use of biobased and recovered raw materials the new standard.