Using Biowastes and Nonmetallic Fraction from Printed Circuit Board Waste to Fabricate Ecofriendly Lightweight Cement Blocks
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 35, Issue 1
Abstract
The construction sector adversely affects the environment. In this research, biowaste and electronic waste are used as raw materials to produce lightweight cement blocks. Cement-like material was synthesized using cockleshells and rice husk ash as raw materials, and the filler used in the cement blocks primarily consisted of nonmetallic fractions (NMF) of printed circuit board (NMF residue). The NMF residue was characterized by X-ray diffraction and exhibited prominent peaks corresponding to and . Morphological examination of the NMF residue revealed irregularly-shaped particles with an average size of 29.2 μm. The use of NMF residue as fillers adversely affected the compressive strength of the lightweight cement blocks. Nevertheless, when the NMF residue content did not exceed 15 wt.%, the average compressive strength was 3.83–4.63 MPa and the average density was , which are within the acceptable ranges specified by the Thai Industrial Standards Institute. The concentrations of hazardous elements, such as Pb, Hg, Cr, Cd, As, Be, and Ni, were in the range 0–220 ppm, below the limits set by the Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive. This study highlights a synergistic approach to waste utilization in the fabrication of lightweight cement blocks suitable for practical applications.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
No data, models, or code were generated or used during the study.
Acknowledgments
This work was partially supported by the ASEAN University Network/Southeast Asia Engineering Education Development Network (AUN/SEED-Net) and the Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University.
References
Adylov, G. T., S. A. Faiziev, M. Paizullakhanov, S. Mukhsimov, and E. Nodirmatov. 2003. “Silicon carbide materials obtained from rice husk.” Tech. Phys. Lett. 29 (3): 221–223. https://doi.org/10.1134/1.1565639.
Afable, M. V. 2019. “Building green–mining the environmental impact of construction.” Accessed June 15, 2020. https://www.boldbusiness.com/infrastructure/green-construction-environmental-impact.
Andrew, R. M. 2018. “Global emissions from cement production.” Earth Syst. Sci. Data Discuss. 10 (1): 195–217. https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-10-195-2018.
Arya, C., J. L. C. Clarke, E. A. J. Kay, P. D. O’Regan, and E. O’Regan. 2002. “TR 55: Design guidance for strengthening concrete structures using fibre composite materials: A review.” Eng. Struct. 24 (7): 889–900. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0296(02)00027-5.
Asmi, D., and A. Zulfia. 2017. “Blood cockle shells waste as renewable source for the production of biogenic and its characterization.” IOP Conf. Ser. Earth Environ. Sci. 94 (1): 012049. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/94/1/012049.
Avci, H., A. Hassanin, T. Hamouda, and A. Kiliç. 2019. “High performance fibers: A review on current state of art and future challenges?” J. Eng. Archit. Fac. Eskisehir Osmangazi Univ. 27 (2): 130–155. https://doi.org/10.31796/ogummf.537704.
Baldé, C. P., V. C. Forti, V. Gray, R. V. Kuehr, and P. Stegmann. 2017. The global e–waste monitor–2017. Geneva: United Nations Univ.
Bluechip. 2020. “Q-CON Eco-friendly lightweight cement block.” Accessed January 9, 2020. https://www.bluechipthai.com/news-Q-CON.
Çuvalci, H., K. Erbay, and H. İpek. 2014. “Investigation of the effect of glass fiber content on the mechanical properties of cast polyamide.” Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 39 (12): 9049–9056. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-014-1409-8.
Daimay, L.-V., B. C. Norman, G. F. William, G. G. Jeanette, D. Lin-Vien, N. B. Colthup, W. G. Fateley, and J. G. Grasselli. 1991. The handbook of infrared and Raman characteristic frequencies of organic molecules. Cambridge, MA: Academic Press.
da Luz, F. S., F. J. Ramos, L. F. C. Nascimento, A. B. H. da Figueiredo, and S. N. Monteiro. 2018. “Critical length and interfacial strength of PALF and coir fiber incorporated in epoxy resin matrix.” J. Mater. Res. Technol. 7 (4): 528–534. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2018.04.025.
David, S. 2020. “Success stories in building energy efficiency.” Accessed June 15, 2020. https://ccap.org/assets/Success-Stories-in-Building-Energy-Efficiency_CCAP.pdf.
De Vekey, R. C., and A. J. Majumdar. 1970. “Interfacial bond strength of glass fibre reinforced cement composites.” J. Mater. Sci. 5 (2): 183–185. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00554638.
Duan, H., J. Li, Y. Liu, N. Yamazaki, and W. Jiang. 2011. “Characterization and inventory of PCDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs emissions from the incineration of waste printed circuit board.” Environ. Sci. Technol. 45 (15): 6322–6328. https://doi.org/10.1021/es2007403.
Ellis, L. D., A. F. Badel, M. L. Chiang, R. J. Y. Park, and Y. M. Chiang. 2020. “Toward electrochemical synthesis of cement—An electrolyzer-based process for decarbonating while producing useful gas streams.” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 117 (23): 12584–12591. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1821673116.
Gavhane, A., P. Patil, S. Soni, and D. Sutar. 2016. “Utilisation of e-plastic waste in concrete.” Int. J. Eng. Res Technol. 5 (2): 594–601. https://doi.org/10.17577/IJERTV5IS020538.
Guo, J., Q. Rao, and Z. Xu. 2008. “Application of glass–nonmetals of waste printed circuit boards to produce phenolic moulding compound.” J. Hazard. Mater. 153 (1–2): 728–734. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2007.09.029.
Hong, S. G., and H. Su. 1996. “The use of recycled printed circuit boards as reinforcing fillers in the polyester composite.” J. Environ. Sci. Health, Part A 31 (1): 1345–1359. https://doi.org/10.1080/10934529609376428.
Iji, M., and S. Yokoyama. 1997. “Recycling of printed wiring boards with mounted electronic components.” Circuit World 23 (8): 10–15. https://doi.org/10.1108/03056129710370196.
Islam, K. N., M. Z. B. A. Bakar, M. M. Noordin, M. Z. B. Hussein, N. S. B. Abd Rahman, and M. E. Ali. 2011. “Characterisation of calcium carbonate and its polymorphs from cockle shells (Anadara granosa).” Powder Technol. 213 (1–3): 188–191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2011.07.031.
Jia, W. F., H. B. Duan, K. Hou, S. Y. Liu, and J. H. Li. 2010. “Analysis of recycling technology for nonmetallic materials from wasted printed circuit board.” Environ. Sci. Technol. 33 (2): 196–200. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1003-6504.2010.02.045.
Jongprateep, O., P. Laomorakot, and K. Sirinunwatana. 2014. “Composition and microstructure of cement–like materials synthesized by solution combustion technique.” Adv. Mater. Res. 1044–1045 (15): 16–22. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1044%961045.16.
Khongprom, P., and U. Suwanmanee. 2017. “Environmental benefits of the integrated alternative technologies of the Portland cement production: A cement production: A case study in Thailand.” Eng. J. 21 (7): 15–27. https://doi.org/10.4186/ej.2017.21.7.15.
Kim, B. S., J. C. Lee, S. P. Seo, Y. K. Park, and H. Y. Sohn. 2004. “A process for extracting precious metals from spent printed circuit boards and automobile catalysts.” JOM 56 (12): 55–58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-004-0237-9.
Kwonpongsagoon, S., S. Jareemit, and P. Kanchanapiya. 2017. “Environmental impacts of recycled nonmetallic fraction from waste printed circuit board.” Int. J. Geomater. 12 (34): 8–14. https://doi.org/10.21660/2017.34.2584.https.
Li, J., H. Lu, J. Guo, Z. Xu, and Y. Zhou. 2007a. “Recycle technology for recovering resources and products from waste printed circuit boards.” Environ. Sci. Technol. 41 (6): 1995–2000. https://doi.org/10.1021/es0618245.
Li, J., P. Shrivastava, Z. Gao, and H. Zhang. 2004. “Printed circuit board recycling: A state–of–art survey.” Packag. Manuf. IEEE Electron. 27 (1): 33–42. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEPM.2004.830501.
Li, J., Z. Xu, and Y. Zhou. 2007b. “Application of corona discharge and electrostatic force to separate metals and nonmetals from crushed particles of waste printed circuit boards.” J. Electrostat. 65 (4): 233–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elstat.2006.08.004.
Li, J., X. Zeng, and A. Stevels. 2015. “Ecodesign in consumer electronics: Past, present, and future.” Crit. Rev. Environ. Sci. Technol. 45 (8): 840–860. https://doi.org/10.1080/10643389.2014.900245.
Li, K., and Z. Xu. 2015. “Application of supercritical water to decompose brominated epoxy resin and environmentally friendly recovery of metals from waste memory module.” Environ. Sci. Technol. 49 (3): 1761–1767. https://doi.org/10.1021/es504644b.
Liang, Y., J. Ouyang, H. Wang, W. Wang, P. Chui, and K. Sun. 2012. “Synthesis and characterization of core-shell structured , microspheres.” Appl. Surf. Sci. 258 (8): 3689–3694. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2011.12.006.
Liu, X., J. L. Thomason, and F. R. Jones. 2008. “XPS and AFM study of interaction of organosilane and sizing with E-glass fibre surface.” J. Adhes. 84 (4): 322–338. https://doi.org/10.1080/00218460802004386.
Manjunath, B. A. 2016. “Partial replacement of e-plastic waste as coarse-aggregate in concrete.” Procedia Environ. Sci. 35 (7): 731–739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2016.07.079.
Mansor, M. R., S. M. Sapuan, and A. A. Zainudin. 2013. “Hybrid natural and glass fibers reinforced polymer composites material selection using analytical hierarchy process for automotive brake lever design.” Mater. Des. 51 (Apr): 484–492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2013.04.072.
Mishra, S. M., and M. K. Trivedi. 2018. “Utilization of PCB and costreduction reduction of concrete.” Int. J. Appl. Eng. Res. 13 (14): 11461–11465.
Mohamed, M., S. Yusup, and S. Maitra. 2012. “Decomposition study of calcium carbonate in cockle shell.” Int. J. Eng. Sci. Technol. 7 (1): 1–10.
Ogunniyi, I. O., M. K. G. Vermaak, and D. Groot. 2009. “Chemical composition and liberation characterization of printed circuit board comminution fines for beneficiation investigations.” J. Waste Manage. 29 (7): 2140–2146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2009.03.004.
Omatola, K. M., and A. D. Onojah. 2009. “Elemental analysis of rice husk ash using X-ray fluorescence technique.” Int. J. Phys. Sci. 4 (4): 189–193.
Otsuki, A., P. P. Gonçalves, C. Stieghorst, Z. Révay, L. De La Mensbruge, A. King, S. Serranti, L. Fiore, and G. Bonifazi. 2020. “Non–destructive characterization of mechanically processed waste printed circuit boards: X–ray fluorescence spectroscopy and prompt gamma activation analysis.” J. Compos. Sci. 102 (11): 510–519. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2019.11.006.
Panneer Selvam, N., and G. V. T. Gopala Krishna. 2016. “Recycle of E-waste in concrete.” Int. J. Sci. Res. 5 (4): 1590–1593. https://doi.org/10.21275/v5i4.NOV162885.
Panwar, K., M. Jassal, and A. K. Agrawal. 2015. “In situ synthesis of Janus particles with epoxy functionality for textile applications.” Particuology 19 (6): 107–112. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.partic.2014.06.007.
Petrović, J. M., D. M. Ljubić, M. R. Stamenović, I. D. Dimić, and S. S. Putić. 2012. “Tension mechanical properties of recycled glass-epoxy composite material.” Acta Period. Technol. 43 (2012): 189–198. https://doi.org/10.2298/APT1243189P.
Petter, P. M. H., A. M. H. Veit, and A. M. Bernardes. 2014. “Evaluation of gold and silver leaching from printed circuit board of cellphones.” Waste Manage. 34 (2): 475–482. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2013.10.032.
Pianchaiyaphum, S., S. Kwonpongsagoon, P. Kanchanapiya, and C. Tuakta. 2021. “Recycling of non-metallic residue from waste printed circuit boards to produce interlocking concrete blocks.” Int. J. Environ. Sci. 12 (6): 169–174. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijesd.2021.12.6.1336.
Pothinathan, S. K. M., P. Kumar, N. Arunachelam, and S. C. Gnanaraj. 2021. “Effect of PCB as partial replacement of fine aggregate and coarse aggregate in concrete.” Mater. Today Proc. 41 (5): 2369–2373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.09.363.
Raut, S. R., R. S. Dhapudkar, and M. G. Mandaokar. 2018. “Experimental study on utilization of E-waste in cement concrete.” Int. J. Eng. Sci. 5 (5): 82–86.
Salminen, A., and T. Vesterinen. 2004. “Laser processing of PCB.” In Proc., 23rd Int. Congress on Laser Materials Processing and Laser Microfabrication. M408. Orlando, FL: Laser Institute of America.
Sathishkumar, T. P., S. Satheeshkumar, and J. Naveen. 2014. “Glass fiber-reinforced polymer composites—A review.” J. Reinf. Plast. Compos. 33 (13): 1258–1275. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684414530790.
Sikra, S. 2017. “How does construction impact the environment. Building information modeling services.” Accessed January 9, 2020. https://gocontractor.com/blog/how-does-construction-impact-the-environment/.
Smartblock. 2020. “AAC SMART BLOCK G4.” Accessed January 9, 2020. https://www.smartblock.co.th.
Sohaili, J., S. K. Muniyandi, S. S. Mohamad, and A. Ariffin. 2019. “Effect of particle size and amount of nonmetallic PCB materials on the mechanical properties of rHDPE/PCB composites.” Mal. J. Fundam. Appl. Sci. 15 (2): 260–267. https://doi.org/10.11113/mjfas.v15n2.1089.
Supattra, W. 2018. “Characterization of calcium oxide derived from cockle shells for carbon dioxide capture.” Suranaree J. Sci. Technol. 10 (1): 32–36.
Tan, Q., Q. Liu, L. Yu, and J. Li. 2020. “An innovative method of recycling metals in printed circuit board (PCB) using solutions from PCB production.” J. Hazard. Mater. 390 (8): 121892. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121892.
Tesanan, S., S. Kwonpongsagoon, and P. Kanchanapiya. 2016. “Solidification/stabilization of nonvaluable residue from waste printed circuit board assembly.” Int. J. Geomater. 11 (24): 2307–2313. https://doi.org/10.21660/2016.24.1194.
Theo, L. 1998. “Integrated recycling of non-ferrous metals at boliden ltd. Ronnskar Smelter.” In Proc., 1998 IEEE., 42–47. New York: IEEE.
Vandanapu, S. N., and M. Krishnamurthy. 2018. “Seismic performance of lightweight concrete structures.” Adv. Civ. Eng. 2018 (1): 2105784. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2105784.
Wang, F., J. Huisman, C. E. Meskers, M. Schluep, A. Stevels, and C. Hagelüken. 2012. “The best–of–2–worlds philosophy: Developing local dismantling and global infrastructure network for sustainable e–waste treatment in emerging economies.” Waste. Manage. 32 (11): 2134–2146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2012.03.029.
Wang, L., Y. Tong, D. S. Zhao, L. Z. Liu, F. G. An, N. Yu, and C. H. Zhou. 2014. “Utilization of alum sludge for producing aluminum hydroxide and layered double hydroxide.” Ceram. Int. 40 (10): 15503–15514. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2014.07.012.
Wei, B., L. J. H. Li, H. H. Xie, L. L. Liu, and Q. Y. Dong. 2012. “Progress in research of comprehensive utilization of nonmetallic materials from waste printed circuit boards.” Procedia Environ. Sci. 16 (2012): 500–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2012.10.069.
Wei, P., Z. Han, X. Xu, and Z. Li. 2006. “Synergistic flame retardant effect of SiO2 in LLDPE/EVA/ATH blends.” J. Fire Sci. 24 (6): 487–498. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734904106060954.
William Coaker, A. 2003. “Fire and flame retardants for PVC.” J. Vinyl Add. Tech. 9 (3): 108–115. https://doi.org/10.1002/vnl.10072.
Wu, Z., S. Li, M. Liu, Z. Wang, and X. Liu. 2015. “Liquid oxygen compatible epoxy resin: Modification and characterization.” RSC Adv. 5 (15): 11325–11333. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA14100H.
Zamberi, M. M., F. N. Ani, and M. F. Abdollah. 2016. “Heterogeneous transesterification of rubber seed oil biodiesel production.” J. Teknol. 78 (6–10): 105–110. https://doi.org/10.11113/jt.v78.9196.
Zeng, X., R. Gong, W. Q. Chen, and J. Li. 2016. “Uncovering the recycling potential of ‘New’ WEEE in China.” Environ. Sci. Technol. 50 (3): 1347–1358. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b05446.
Zhang, S. 2014. “A novel reuse method for waste printed circuit boards as catalyst for wastewater bearing pyridine degradation.” Chem. Eng. J. 257 (7): 253–261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2014.07.043.
Zhang, S., and E. Forssberg. 1997. “Mechanical separation–oriented characterization of electronic scrap.” Resour. Conserv. Recycl. 21 (4): 247–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(97)00039-6.
Zhao, Y., X. Wen, B. Li, and D. Tao. 2004. “Recovery of copper from waste printed circuit boards.” Miner. Metall. Process 21 (2): 99–102. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03403310.
Zhu, B., T. X. Yu, and X. M. Tao. 2009. “Large shear deformation of e–glass/polypropylene woven fabric composites at elevated temperatures.” J. Reinf. Plast. Compos. 28 (21): 2615–2630. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684408093095.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Sep 17, 2021
Accepted: May 4, 2022
Published online: Oct 25, 2022
Published in print: Jan 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Mar 25, 2023
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.