Brick waste shows potential as filler for rigid polyurethane insulation

Scientists at the University of Santa Catarina do Sul in Brazil are exploring another potential polyurethane insulating filler – brick dust. They investigated the potential of incorporating red ceramic residue powder into polyurethane substrates and then studied its thermal properties.

Composite materials were prepared containing 10% to 30% powder, as well as control samples containing no powder. Composite materials have similar thermal stability.

The increase in powder content results in the formation of non-uniform openings within the composite structure. This has an impact on the material’s properties, with compressive strength, Young’s modulus and thermal conductivity all decreasing, while water absorption increases.

The thermal conductivity of all composites with fillers added is lower than that of polyurethane itself, and the composite with a filler content of 10% has the best thermal insulation effect.

They believe that composite rigid polyurethane panels have potential for thermal insulation and that using waste in construction could improve environmental sustainability.