S. Gutiérrez-González

Construction Applications of Polyurethane Foam Wastes

Abstract This chapter covers a range of by-products based on the addition of polyurethane (PU) foam wastes. The sustainability of these recycled materials and some improved properties with respect to traditional products are considered. The study includes the mechanical degradation or physical treatment as manufacturing technologies for the use of industrial wastes as substitutes for natural lightweight aggregates to be used in conglomerates and agglomerates as masonry mortars, plaster, coating and composite additives. The results obtained demonstrate that the employ of recycled construction materials including PU foam waste is as good as conventional materials.

Hydration in Mortars Manufactured with Ladle Furnace Slag (LFS) and the Latest Generation of Polymeric Emulsion Admixtures

Ladle furnace slags have successfully been used in the manufacture of masonry mortars. However, this type of steelmaking waste is not easily mixed with the other components, resulting in separation of the mix water and insufficient hydration, which prevents proper setting and hardening of the mixes. Two types of new-generation admixtures were used, in order to facilitate the interaction of the LFS with the cement paste: polyacrylic ester PAE polymers and a polymeric emulsion with a high molecular weight in different proportions. Their influence on the mortar properties in the fresh state, dosed with variable amount of LF slag, is studied. The results show the greater efficiency of the polyacrylic ester PAE admixtures at retaining the mix water, guaranteeing proper hydration of the mortar components and dispersion of the cement paste and the complete hydration of the LF slag.

Permeability and Porosity on Lightweight Mortars Fabricated with Polyamide Powder Wastes

This paper presents the results obtained in the production of lightweight mortars where different amounts of sand were replaced by polyamide powder wastes. The characterization of the materials obtained was carried out in fresh and hardened state, considering especially the vapor permeability and micro and macroporosity properties. It has been found that the progressive increase of polymer influences the behavior of the mortar, increasing the water vapour permeability as well as the total porosity of the material, which carried on a decrease in the density of the composites fabricated. These results suggest the employment of polyamide powder residue as sand could be useful with the aim of manufacture recycled lightweight masonry mortar.