Abstract

Masonry units with attractive environmental credentials can be produced from waste aggregate materials and vegetable oils. Heat curing at low temperatures induces chemical changes in the binder which stiffen the block and afford them a compressive strength which can be compared to existing blocks and bricks. This method allows use of 100% waste materials, which far exceeds the level of replacement possible in traditional concrete and clay matrices. To better understand the chemistry of the vegetable oil binder at different stages of the curing process a range of experiments have been performed including infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Results show production of chain-shortened and oxygenated derivatives and the nature of reactions based on curing time and physical environment of the binder. Compressive strength and mass loss are dependent on curing time and the altered molecular architecture of the oil, but other physical properties are independent of the chemistry and reliant on physical concerns such as aggregate selection.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.