Desempenho termomecânico e absorção de água de concretos com resíduo eletrônico como agregado graúdo

Abstract

The increasing generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (e-waste) and the environmental impacts of natural aggregate extraction have driven the search for more sustainable concrete materials. This study evaluates whether the partial replacement of coarse aggregate with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic waste from e-waste can improve the thermal performance—particularly thermal conductivity—of conventional concrete, while assessing its effects on mechanical behavior and water absorption to identify an optimal incorporation level without significantly compromising strength and durability. Concrete mixtures with 0%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15% ABS were produced and evaluated in terms of workability, compressive and tensile strengths, thermal conductivity, surface temperatures, water absorption, and mesostructural characteristics. Results showed a progressive reduction in mechanical strength with increasing ABS content; however, mixtures with up to 12.5% replacement remained suitable for non-structural applications. Improved thermal performance was observed, with reduced thermal conductivity, especially at the 12.5% replacement level. This ratio is identified as an optimal solution, contributing to the understanding of the thermo-mechanical behavior of concrete incorporating e-waste and supporting the development of more sustainable cementitious materials.