Search Results (22)

The study investigates the potential of enhancing gypsum board properties through the integration of hemp hurds and glass fibers. The investigation focuses on evaluating the composite material’s density, water absorption, flexural strength, compressive strength, and thermal performance. Experimental results demonstrate a reduction in gypsum composite density and improved thermal insulating properties with the introduction of hemp hurds. Water absorption, a significant drawback of gypsum boards, is mitigated with hemp hurds, indicating potential benefits for insulation efficiency. For mechanical tests, the gypsum ceiling board at approximately 5% by weight exhibits a flexural strength value exceeding the minimum average threshold of 1 MPa and the highest average compressive strength at 2.94 MPa. Thermal testing reveals lower temperatures and longer time lags in gypsum boards with 5% hemp hurds, suggesting enhanced heat resistance and reduced energy consumption for cooling. The study contributes valuable insights into the potential use of hemp hurds in gypsum-based building materials, presenting a sustainable and energy-efficient alternative for the construction industry. Full article

The construction industry generates approximately 45% of the world’s total waste, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions. This study investigates the incorporation of quartzite waste (QW) and fiberglass waste (FW) into the production of gypsum plasterboard to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining its structural performance. The optimum formulation (MQ-20) was determined by replacing 20% of the gypsum with QW, based on the observed free water loss and crystallization water. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the reference and modified boards were evaluated. The results showed that the MQ-20 samples exhibited a 30% reduction in flexural strength compared to the reference, while still exceeding regulatory standards. In addition, the MQ-20 samples had a lower thermal conductivity (0.54 W/(m∙K)) than the reference (0.58 W/(m∙K)). Fire-resistance tests showed that the inclusion of QW and FW reduced the size and number of cracks, improving the structural stability of the plasterboard at high temperatures. This research demonstrates that the incorporation of industrial waste into plasterboard is a viable and environmentally friendly approach, providing both mechanical and thermal performance benefits. These findings provide a basis for future studies aimed at developing sustainable building materials with improved functional properties. Full article

The worldwide demand for gypsum resources is continuously growing due to its versatility in the building industry. In this context, incorporating recycled aggregates is gaining attention for enhancing the physico-mechanical properties of gypsum-based composites. Recycled rubber aggregates have stood out in recent decades as a common option in the development of prefabricated panels and sheets. This study presents a design of gypsum-based composites in which 20 to 40% of the volume of the binding material has been replaced with recycled rubber in two different formats: granulates (1.0–2.5 mm) and powder (<0.8 mm). Three series of composites have been developed to explore their recyclability: Series 1, recycled rubber aggregates and commercial gypsum; Series 2, recycled rubber aggregates (by trituration of samples from Series 1) and commercial gypsum; and Series 3, 100% recycled gypsum and rubber aggregates. All the composites surpass the minimum values of flexural and compressive strength (1 and 2 MPa, respectively) indicated by the normative result. Furthermore, the physicochemical characterisation showed the effectiveness of the recycling process of the triturated dihydrate for obtaining the hemihydrate. A study of the environmental impact revealed a 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions, the equivalent of producing 1 m² of prefabricated board using traditional gypsum. Therefore, this research outlines the potential of gypsum recycling with recycled rubber aggregates, thus promoting the circularity of construction products and decreasing the building’s environmental footprint. This represents a novelty compared to current studies, which are more oriented towards recycling and recovery of waste from conventional plasterboards. Full article

The modern construction industry is looking for new ecological materials (available, cheap, recyclable) that can successfully replace materials that are not environmentally friendly. Fibers of natural origin are materials that can improve the properties of gypsum composites. This is an important issue because synthetic fibers (hardly biodegradable—glass or polypropylene fibers) are commonly used to reinforce gypsum boards. Increasing the state of knowledge regarding the possibility of replacing synthetic fibers with natural fibers is another step towards creating more environmentally friendly building materials and determining their characteristics. This paper investigates the possibility of manufacturing fiber–gypsum composites based on natural gypsum (building gypsum) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fibers grown in Poland. The effect of introducing hemp fibers of different lengths and with varying proportions of mass (mass of gypsum to mass of fibers) into the gypsum matrix was investigated. The experimental data obtained indicate that adding hemp fibers to the gypsum matrix increases the static bending strength of the composites manufactured. The highest mechanical strength, at 4.19 N/mm², was observed in fiber–gypsum composites with 4% hemp fiber content at 50 mm in length. A similar trend of increased strength was observed in longitudinal tension. Again, the composite variant with 4% fiber content within the gypsum matrix had the highest mechanical strength. Manufacturing fibers–gypsum composites with more than 4% hemp fiber content negatively affected the composites’ strength. Mixing long (50 mm) hemp fibers with the gypsum matrix is technologically problematic, but tests have shown a positive effect on the mechanical properties of the refined composites. The article indicates the length and quantity limitations of hemp fibers on the basis of which fiber–gypsum composites were produced. Full article

Although gypsum-based building materials exhibit many positive characteristics, solutions are still being searched for to reduce the use of gypsum or improve the physico-mechanical properties of board materials. In this study, an attempt was made to produce gypsum boards with hemp fibers. Although hemp fibers can be a specific reinforcement for gypsum-based board materials, they negatively affect the gypsum setting process due to their hygroscopic characteristics. Fibers impregnated with derivatives based on polyvinyl acetate, styrene–acrylic copolymer and pMDI (polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate) were used in this study. Gypsum–fiber boards produced with impregnated fibers showed approximately 30% higher mechanical properties as determined by the 3-point bending test. The positive effect of the impregnates on the hemp fibers was confirmed by FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and TG/DTA (thermogravimetric analysis/thermal gravimetric analysis) analysis. Full article

This article explores the cutting-edge advancement of gypsum or cement building boards infused with shape-stabilized n-octadecane, an organic phase change material (PCM). The primary focus is on improving energy efficiency and providing electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capabilities for contemporary buildings. This research investigates the integration of these materials into construction materials, using red-mud carbon foam (CCF) as a stabilizer for n-octadecane (OD@CCF). Various analyses, including microstructural examination, porosity, and additive dispersion assessment, were conducted using X-ray microtomography and density measurements. Thermal conductivity measurements demonstrated the enhancement of composite boards as the OD@CCF content increased, while mechanical tests indicated an optimal additive content of up to 20%. The thermally regulated capabilities of these advanced panels were evaluated in a custom-designed room model, equipped with a homemade environmental chamber, ensuring a consistent temperature environment during heating and cooling cycles. The incorporation of OD@CCF into cement boards exhibited improved thermal energy storage properties. Moreover, the examined composite boards displayed efficient electromagnetic shielding performance within the frequency range of 3.2–7.0 GHz, achieving EMI values of approximately 18 and 19.5 dB for gypsum and cement boards, respectively, meeting the minimum value necessary for industrial applications. Full article

Gypsum-based composites were prepared via a slurry casting process using construction gypsum as the binding material and poplar fibers as reinforcing material. The effects of different fiber content and curing time on the mechanical properties, water resistance, and flame retardancy of these composites were investigated, and the influence mechanism was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. The results showed that the best composite mechanical strength was achieved with 10% poplar fiber- content, and the absolute dry flexural and compressive strengths reached 3.59 and 8.06 MPa, respectively. Compared with pure gypsum, the flexural strength and compressive strength increased by 10% and 19%, respectively. The inclusion of fibers somewhat prevented the migration of free water within the composites and enhanced their water resistance. At 10% fiber content, the composite’s 24 h water absorption rate was 34.3%, 8% lower than that of pure gypsum, with a softening coefficient of 0.55. However, fiber content increases the porosity of gypsum-based composites. When heated, this increased porosity accelerates’ heat conduction within the matrix, raising the peak and total exothermic rates, thereby weakening the composites’ inherently flame-retardant properties. Poplar-fiber-reinforced gypsum-based composites offered superior performance in commercial applications, compared to pure gypsum board, providing a sustainable and green alternative for ceilings, partitions, and other applications, while broadening the prospects for gypsum-based composites in the engineering field. Full article

As a waste derivative, glass fiber has drawn a lot of interest from the engineering community. The purpose of this study was to use glass fiber to improve the performance of defective gypsum boards. Single compression experiments, repeated loading experiments, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) testing were performed on defective gypsum boards. The results showed that the addition of glass fiber can improve the compressive strength of defective gypsum boards. When the fiber concentration is 1.5%, the strength of single-hole gypsum boards increases by 77.1%. Energy evolution and residual strain evaluation after repeated loading showed the significant reinforcement of the dual-hole gypsum board samples with the addition of glass fiber, improving the stress distribution and elasticity, which was confirmed using damage factor analysis. Glass fibers reduce stress concentrations, improve integrity, and prevent brittle failure, especially at high stress levels. The microstructural analysis showed that the addition of glass fiber improves adhesion and prevents microcracking while acting as a stress transfer bridge, enhancing the behavior of the specimen under cyclic loading. Based on the experimental results and cost, 1.5% glass fiber is the optimal concentration. The research results provide new ideas for the application of glass fiber in defective and brittle materials and contribute toward the sustainable development of the construction industry. Full article

This research work is focused on the development of an alternative method for manufacturing Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) panels based on Wood Veneers (WVs) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) through compression molding, which enhances the physical properties, particularly, water absorption and moisture content. The aim of the present research was to develop alternative panels to replace commercial ones, which are heavily affected by hot, humid climates. In this context, the study began with the design process, which consisted of the collection and processing of primary material, production of the additional components necessary for the manufacturing process, determination of the WV ratio, and preparation of the samples. Thereafter, physical and mechanical tests were carried out on WPC, HDPE (control), commercial gypsum boards (GBs), plywood (PW), and medium density fiberboard (MDF) samples. The results indicate that the method applied to manufacture the WPC samples improved physical properties, achieving a water uptake of less than 4% in both proportions of replacement tested, in contrast to commercial panels, which reached values between 10% and 40%. In addition, a greater load capacity was achieved for lower thick elements. Full article

Gypsum, from either nature or industrial by-products, can be a lower-cost and cleaner alternative binder to Portland cement used in construction projects, such as affordable housing in developing countries. Although various building products have successfully used gypsum as the binder, some drawbacks of this material have still been claimed, for example, in the aspects of mechanical strength and some other physical properties. Using mineral additions to gypsum seems to be a possible solution to create composite gypsum with improved properties. This work has investigated the possibility of two common minerals (silica flour and talc powder) in modifying composite gypsum’s physical and mechanical performance at elevated temperatures (100–1100 °C), including hydration, strength, thermal conduction and stability, and microstructure. The results suggest that 10% gypsum replacement by silica flour or talc powder modifies gypsum’s physical and mechanical properties, with silica flour performing better than talc powder. The performance of composite gypsum at elevated temperatures depends on the treatment temperature and reflects the combined effects of gypsum phase change and the filler effects of silica flour or talc powder. Thermal treatment at ≤200 °C increased the thermal resistance of all gypsum boards but decreased their compressive strength. Thermal treatment at ≥300 °C significantly increased the compressive strength of gypsum with silica flour and talc powder but induced intensive microcracks and thus failed the thermal insulation. This investigation indicates that silica flour can potentially raise the mechanical performance of gypsum. At the same time, talc powder can hold water and lubricate, which may help with the continuous hydration of gypsum phases and the rheology of its mixtures. Full article

Gypsum board is a building material known for its various qualities and functional characteristics, including its low density, fire resistance, thermal insulation, moisture regulation, and decorative appeal. However, it is important to consider the environmental aspects, as the production of one ton of gypsum board releases approximately 355 kg of CO₂ into the atmosphere. This research aims to reduce the carbon footprint while improving the mechanical and thermal properties of gypsum boards. To achieve this objective, flax fibers of three different lengths (12 mm, 24 mm, and 36 mm) were used to replace gypsum at a certain volume fraction. Incorporating up to 10% flax fiber effectively offsets the carbon footprint of gypsum boards. However, practical constraints related to the processing conditions and mechanical strength limited the addition of flax fiber to levels of 1%, 2%, and 3%. A 3% fiber incorporation gave us a more homogeneous mix with good workability, ensuring good mechanical performance and a 29% reduction in the carbon footprint. This study showed an improvement in flexural strength for flax-fiber-reinforced composites regardless of their length. In particular, the addition of 3% flax fiber (36 mm in length) showed the most significant increase in flexural strength, exceeding 438%. In addition, the mechanical behavior, including toughness, showed improvements over unreinforced gypsum. Flax fibers were found to be effective in bridging microcracks and limiting their propagation. Notably, all reinforced composites showed a decrease in thermal conductivity, resulting in a 47% improvement in thermal insulation with the addition of flax fibers. Full article

Finding eco-friendly products that are beneficial to the environment and serve as tools for sustainable development is a contemporary challenge. This work illustrates the recovery of bio-waste-based materials, which not only improve the hygrothermal properties of gypsum but also promote the paper and wood recycling processes in a circular economy approach. The samples were subjected to tests for density, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, flexural strength, compressive strength, and thermophysical property characterization. A statistical analysis of variance was used to study the impact of waste on the physico-mechanical behavior of gypsum, leading to the development of predictive models that can be used to predict and optimize the performance of bio-composites in various applications. The results revealed a reduction in mechanical strength with the addition of waste, but the samples still exhibit superior insulation properties, surpassing commonly used standard boards. By adding ouate and wood wastes to a mass of 20% in its natural state, the gypsum becomes lighter and acts as a better insulator with a reduced density, thermal conductivity, and ultrasound velocity of up to 50%, 57%, and 83%, respectively. These findings show the significant implication of reducing environmental impacts while contributing to the promotion of sustainable building practices, both in new construction projects and in building renovations. Full article

This paper analyzes the properties of composite particleboards made from a mix of giant reed with gypsum plaster and starch as binders. Experimental boards were manufactured with a 10:2 weight ratio of giant reed/gypsum plaster particles and different amounts of starch. Giant reed particles used were ≤0.25 mm. The mix was pressed at a temperature of 110 °C with a pressure of 2.6 MPa for 1, 2, and 3 h. The results showed that the boards manufactured with longer times in the press and with 10 wt.% starch achieved the best physical and mechanical properties, obtaining a modulus of rupture (MOR) of 17.5 N/mm², a modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 3196 N/mm², and an internal bounding strength (IB) of 0.62 N/mm². Thickness swelling (TS) at 24 h of the panels was reduced from 36.16% to 28.37% when 10 wt.% starch was added. These results showed that giant reed–gypsum–starch particleboards can be manufactured with physical and mechanical properties that comply with European standards for use in building construction. Full article

The waste amount coming from construction and demolition (CDW) has significant volume and potential to provide the backbone of a secondary material bank. Up to now, little attention is paid to waste gypsum recycling from CDW while a shift in global attitude toward waste management brings motivation to use CDW gypsum as secondary raw material. The present research investigates the properties of gypsum binder obtained from secondary raw materials originating from CDW. Three types of drywall boards and cast monolithic gypsum from interior walls, treated in the laboratory, and a gypsum binder was obtained. Comparison has been studied and the most effective solutions regarding CDW treatment are represented. Separation, crushing, and milling were done. DTA/TG, XRD, SEM, and particle size distribution were characterized by CDW gypsum. The heat treatment temperature was selected at 130 °C for 4 or 24 h and 180 °C for 4 h. Consistency, set time, and mechanical properties were characterized. Results indicate that a gypsum binder with a strength up to 3.7 MPa can be obtained. Low strength is associated with fineness of CDW gypsum and a high water/gypsum ratio (from 0.6 to 1.396). Gypsum content in CDW (38 to 92 wt.%) should be considered as an important factor during gypsum CDW recycling. Full article

Noise pollution has been identified as a cause of a broad spectrum of diseases, motivating researchers to identify building materials capable of attenuating this pollution. The most common solution is the use of gypsum boards, which show a good response for low frequencies but have a poorer response for high frequencies. In addition, due to environmental concerns associated with buildings, the use of materials that minimize environmental impacts must be favored. In this research, two biopolymers, a poly(lactic) acid and a bio-polyethylene, were filled with two typologies of calcium carbonate, and their soundproofing properties were tested using impedance tubes. In addition, the morphology of the fillers was characterized, and here we discuss its impact on the mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the incorporation of calcium carbonate into bio-based thermoplastic materials can represent a strong alternative to gypsum, because their mechanical properties and sound barrier performance are superior. In addition, the inclusion of mineral fillers in thermoplastic materials has a positive impact on production costs, in addition to preserving the advantages of thermoplastics in terms of processing and recycling. Although the use of carbonate calcium decreases the mechanical properties of the materials, it enables the production of materials with insulation that is four-fold higher than that of gypsum. This demonstrates the potential of these materials as building lightweight solutions. Full article