Study of gypsum composite with residue of ornamental rocks: physical, mechanical and thermal analysis

Abstract

The environmental impacts caused by the disposal of ornamental rock waste require studies for its reuse. Gypsum, a binder widely used in civil construction, can help this recycling process. Thus, some research was carried out in gypsum composites with ornamental rock residue at levels of 0, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% and with the water/gypsum (w/g) ratio of 0.6 and 0.8. The properties of setting time, porosity, hardness, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, and tensile bond strength were evaluated. The setting time did not show significant changes for the different contents and w/g ratios. Porosity tended to decrease with the insertion of waste and water decrease. Hardness and compressive strength increased with the inclusion of the residue on the w/g ratio of 0.6. Thermal conductivity and tensile bond strength did not vary greatly.

Keywords:
gypsum; waste; ornamental rock; reuse; properties