Production of Sustainable Artificial Stone from Granite Waste and Steel Waste and Polyurethane from Castor Oil

Abstract

Waste generation and its improper disposal have been growing substantially nowadays, among them, steel wastes, ornamental stones and polymers instigating serious environmental problems. The development of artificial stones using a polymeric matrix from a renewable source is a great alternative to reincorporate these types of waste, creating a novel sustainable stone with properties that make them suitable for use as a coating in civil construction. This work’s main objective was to produce and characterize an artificial stone (ASGS) with 85% of wastes (granite and steel) in a 15% vegetable polyurethane matrix. Initially, the most close-packed granulometric composition was determined, followed by the plates production using vibration, compression, and vacuum. ASGS presented 2.24 g/cm3 density, which was within the expected range, 0.46% of water absorption, which was at the limit to be considered a low water absorption stone and 1.04% of apparent porosity, denoting its high porosity content. The ASGS bend strength classified it as a stone of very high mechanical strength. Through SEM micrographs, the high content of apparent porosity was confirmed, and a low load/matrix interaction was verified. However, analyzing the ASGS bend strength, it was possible to conclude that it did not impair its mechanical strength.