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Thermal insulating coating mortars with mining and steel residues and the proposition of a “thermal insulating admixture”

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Abstract

The present work developed a thermal insulating coating/plastering mortar from the complete replacement of the natural aggregate by friable quartzite (QTZ), with the addition of steelmaking slag powder (SSP). Despite having promising characteristics, no studies so far have taken advantage of the thermal insulating properties of the SSP. Initially, the QTZ and PEA were characterized according to physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological analyses. The mortars were prepared with Portland cement, hydrated lime, air-entraining admixtures (AEA), fine aggregates, and SSP. Four mixes were produced: (1) reference (REF) (with natural sand); (2) QTZ + AEA (NO SSP); (3) QTZ + AEA + 5%SSP, and (4) QTZ + AEA + 10%SSP. The following tests were carried out: flow, water retention, specific gravity (density), water absorption by immersion and by capillarity, flexural strength, compressive strength, adhesive strength, UPV, morphology, shrinkage, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and potential of environmental contamination. As result, the QTZ presented physical characteristics similar to those of the natural aggregate, except for the high content of powdery material. The mortar with 5% SSP had the lowest thermal conductivity (56% lower than REF) and the highest specific heat (37% higher than REF). The SSP’s mineralogical composition and resulting pore system were the most influential factors for these properties. Therefore, the SSP can be considered a “thermal insulating admixture” and the use of these residues is technically feasible to improve the thermal performance of buildings.

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Source: a authors (2023), and b [72], reproduced with permission

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Source: a authors (2023), and b [15], reproduced with permission

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Data availability

Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the company Rolth do Brasil for financial support and the agency CNPq (National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, grant 403545/2020-0—MAI/DAI 12/2020—scholarship for Letícia Martins and Karina Marques). We are also grateful for the infrastructure and collaboration of the Research Group on Solid Waste—RECICLOS—CNPq.

Funding

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, 403545/2020-0—MAI/DAI 12/2020, Letícia Matias Martins, 403545/2020-0—MAI/DAI 12/2020, Karina Marcele Marques, Rolth do Brasil, 403545/2020-0—MAI/DAI 12/2020, Letícia Matias Martins.

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  1. Post-Graduation Programme in Civil Engineering, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Letícia Matias Martins, Karina Marcele Marques, Fernanda Pereira da Fonseca Elói, Ricardo André Fiorotti Peixoto & Júlia Castro Mendes

  2. Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Louise Aparecida Mendes

  3. Post-Graduation Programme in Civil Engineering, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Júlia Castro Mendes

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Leticia Matias Martins reports financial support provided by Rolth do Brasil. Ricardo Andre Fiorotti Peixoto reports a relationship with Rolth do Brasil that includes funding grants.

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Martins, L.M., Marques, K.M., Elói, F.P.d. et al. Thermal insulating coating mortars with mining and steel residues and the proposition of a “thermal insulating admixture”. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag 26, 1432–1449 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-024-01897-8

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