THE USE OF CERAMIC TILE WASTE AS A CALCITE SUBSTITUTE IN CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS

Abstract

In this study, potential use of waste ceramic tiles in powder form instead of calcite were studied for different mortar compositions. Aiming for both environmental and economic benefits a series of detailed experiments were conducted to see how this replacement affects the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of three different mortars: (i) ceramic adhesive mortar, (ii) bricklaying mortar, and (iii) insulation adhesive mortar. For this purpose, waste ceramic tiles were converted to powder form and added to mortar compositions as calcite replacement in different amounts and standart production route was followed. After preparation all samples including control ones were tested in order to obtain tensile adhesion strength, compressive strength, water absorption %, and thermal conductivity value. According to characterization results certain improvements were observed compared to control samples having no replacement. For instance, ceramic adhesive mortar having 3% replacement achieved a tensile adhesion strength of 0.57 N/mm², bricklaying mortar having 100% replacement reached to compressive strength of 185 N/mm², along with a 17% reduction in water absorption. The insulation adhesive mortar, having 100% replacement gave a compressive strength of 185 N/mm² and decreased the water absorption by 13%. These results show that the replacement of calcite with waste ceramic tile in powder form has a potential to enhance the durability of mortar materials, reduce water permeability, and improve energy efficiency staying in the borders of industrial standarts from other expectations.