The Use of Expanded Polystyrene and Olive Stones in the Manufacture of Lightweight Bricks: Evaluation of Their Properties and Durability
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2023-02-04Referencia bibliográfica
López Gómez, M.; Cultrone, G. The Use of Expanded Polystyrene and Olive Stones in the Manufacture of Lightweight Bricks: Evaluation of Their Properties and Durability. Materials 2023, 16, 1330. [https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041330]
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Junta de Andalucía Research Group RNM179; B.RNM.188.UGR20 of the Regional Ministry of University, Research and Innovation of the Junta de Andalucía and FEDER (a way of making Europe)Abstract
This paper studies the effects of using 20, 40 and 60% vol. of either expanded polystyrene
(EPS) or olive stones as additives in the manufacture of handmade bricks. The bricks were made
using clayey earth from Viznar (Spain) and were fired at 950 C. The effects of the additives on the
mineralogical, textural and physical properties of the fired bricks were analysed, focusing mainly
on possible changes in their pore system, thermal insulation, compressive strength, colour and salt
crystallisation resistance. From a mineralogical point of view, the bricks made with olive stones
had a lighter red colour due to their lower hematite content. As expected, the samples made with
these additives had greater porosity and better thermal insulation. However, they also had lower
compressive strength to the point that the only samples that met the recommended criteria for general
construction work were those with 20% vol. EPS, while those with 40% vol. EPS met the criteria
to be used as lightweight bricks. Both additives improved the resistance of the bricks to decay by
salt crystallisation.