Uso de resíduos de poliéster em tijolo de solo-cimento: desempenho técnico e impacto ambiental

Abstract

The soil-cement brick is produced using soil, cement, and water, offering potentially lower costs and reduced energy consumption by eliminating the firing process, while maintaining favorable strength properties, thus representing a sustainable alternative for the construction sector. The advancement proposed in this study was the incorporation of polyester waste, a widely available byproduct that can be environmentally harmful if improperly discarded, into the production of soil-cement bricks. This approach aimed not only to compare the properties of soil-cement products but also to provide a simplified assessment of environmental impact, while offering a solution to the growing issue of plastic waste in contemporary society. For the development of this research, both the local soil and the polyester waste were collected and characterized through particle size distribution analysis, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) for mineralogical composition, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) for chemical composition, ensuring their suitability for brick manufacturing. The results demonstrated the maintenance of mechanical properties, and, in some cases, improvements in compressive strength and moisture resistance due to the incorporation of polyester waste. To support the simplified measurement of environmental impacts, a dedicated software application was developed to perform a simplified Comparative Life Cycle Assessment (CLCA) for academic purposes, quantifying the impacts associated with the production and use of polyester-enhanced soil-cement bricks. Consequently, this research also resulted in a technological product (software) registration proposal, along with a suggested plan for implementing sustainability policies in companies generating polyester waste. This approach highlights the potential of soil-cement bricks with polyester residues as a sustainable technological alternative, aligned with current demands for innovation and socio-environmental responsibility.