Physical, mechanical and thermal behavior of adobe stabilized with glass fiber reinforced polymer waste

Abstract The polymer industry develops materials with excellent physical and mechanical properties but also with a large volume of waste with very low degradability. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to use glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) waste in adobe production. Compositions varying from 0 to 10% mass residues were produced and evaluated in physical, mechanical and thermal tests. The addition of 10% GFRP waste showed the best results when compared to adobe without additives, demonstrated as follows: shrinkage reduction of 239%; bulk density reduction of 6%; thermal conductivity reduction of 21%; mass loss reduction when submerged in water; and compressive strength increase of 45%. Therefore, the use of GFRP residue is indicated in the manufacture of adobe to improve its physical, mechanical and thermal conductivity properties. In addition to providing a destination for a considerable quantity of the waste, the commercial value of the final product is higher due to using a residue with low degradability and high energy power due to burning during recycling.