waste tires
at the end of its useful life They are one of the most polluting materials in existence today. Its use as an additive in building materials represents a possible solution to this problem and a new life to improve some of the characteristics required in this sector.
In this context, researchers from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), in collaboration with the University of Coimbra, have carried out a study that has enabled them to develop a new construction material thanks to the processing of unused waste tires. This allows you to save up to 34% CO2 emissions. In addition, it improves thermal performance by 25% and acoustic performance by up to 35%. All thanks to the addition of end-of-life tires.
The most striking results are those related to thermal and acoustic behavior, as well as to
CO2 savingmaking these materials particularly ideal for use in tertiary buildings (offices, libraries, museums, etc.) where building code requirements are higher.
End-of-life tires are one of the most produced waste streams worldwide. In Europe alone, 3.5 million tons are thrown away every year. The biggest problem that arises with this residue is its storage. Normally they are burned or crushed and buried in the ground, but these solutions are highly polluting due to their composition. However, these materials have a number of technical advantages such as
its low thermal conductivity (similar to that of polypropylene) and its good performance as acoustic insulation. Taking advantage of these benefits and trying to put a new end to this waste, a team of researchers from the UPM School of Building Engineering and the University of Coimbra (Portugal) propose an alternative with a lower environmental impact that also helps implement of a more sustainable and efficient construction process: processing this waste into building materials.
In the study they conducted, the researchers present a series of new gypsum-based materials with the addition of discarded tires. The aim is to reduce the density of the materials to facilitate their installation and transportation
improve mechanical properties (resistance) and physically (thermal and acoustic) such that its application in buildings has a positive impact. Specifically, a super-absorbent and pneumatic end-of-life polymer has been added in three different forms, one in the form of a textile material and two in different grain sizes.
Recycled rubber granulate and recycled textile fibers from end-of-life tires are presented as additives to develop plasterboard for suspended ceilings. Using standardized test methods, the performance and behavior of these new materials are evaluated and compared to the minimum values required by building codes,
thus verifying its feasibility. The results of the study showed significant results, as with the simple addition of the superabsorbent polymer, the density was reduced by 20%.
The most striking conclusions are those related to thermal and acoustic behavior, as the addition of these materials manages to improve thermal performance by 25% and acoustic performance by up to 35%. The research was completed with an analysis of the CO2 savings, which resulted in a potential saving of no less than 34% of the emissions of this gas by adding this residue.
The application of the Agenda 2030 stimulates research into new materials for a more sustainable construction sector. The constant growth of the construction sector, with the consequent consumption of resources and the production of construction and demolition waste, is postulated as one of the major challenges of the Sustainable Development Goals. As he points out
Manuel Álvarez, researcher at the UPM who was part of the work team, “our work is framed in the context of Goals 11 and 12 -Sustainable Cities and Communities and Responsible Production and Consumption- and we believe we have achieved significant results to deliver a more sustainable construction process and efficient that can undoubtedly help to achieve those SDGs”.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
