Cement mortars with ceramic molds shells and paraffin waxes wastes: Physical and mechanical behavior

Foundry industry produces millions of tons of wastes discarded in landfills. Many studies have focused on foundry sands, however other wastes are generated during the casting process and no reuse solutions are known. The main objective of this study was the incorporation of paraffin waxes and ceramic mold shells in cement mortars, evaluating the influence of different paraffin wax contents in the mortars physical and mechanical properties. The obtained results showed a decrease in the workability, water absorption, flexural and compressive strengths of the mortars. However, the mortars presented a satisfactory physical and mechanical behavior, evidencing a possible practical application.

Automated summary

The foundry industry generates a large amount of waste, including not only foundry sands, but also other wastes with no known reuse solutions. This study aimed to incorporate paraffin waxes and ceramic mold shells into cement mortars and evaluate their impact on the physical and mechanical properties. The results showed a reduction in workability, water absorption, flexural and compressive strengths of the mortars. However, the mortars still exhibited satisfactory physical and mechanical behavior, indicating a potential practical application.