RT conference output
T1 Valorization of Polymeric Municipal Solid Waste for Thermal Insulation Applications in Building Construction
A1 Silva García, Blanca Gema
A1 Terrones Saeta, Juan María
A1 Sales Lérida, David
A2 Ciencia de los Materiales e Ingeniería Metalúrgica y Química Inorgánica
A2 Ingeniería Industrial e Ingeniería Civil
K1 municipal solid waste
K1 LDPE
K1 HDPE
K1 polyurethane
K1 thermal insulation
K1 circular economy
AB This research evaluates the feasibility of converting polymeric urban solid waste (USW) into thermal insulation materials for building applications by incorporating waste plastics into a rigid polyurethane (PU) matrix. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) from municipal waste streams and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from discarded lubricant and oil containers were processed as plastic particulates and integrated into PU to manufacture insulation panels. The materials were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to assess thermal transitions and chemical composition. Panels were produced by molding without external heat or pressure, aiming to ensure uniform dispersion of the plastic fraction within the polymer matrix. The resulting composites were evaluated through key physical and thermal indicators, including apparent density, leachate production as an environmental impact indicator, and thermal conductivity as the primary measure of insulation efficiency. Granta EduPack software supported the selection and optimization of the polymeric matrix and hybrid composite configurations. Results comparing thermal conductivity and R-value at different mean temperatures indicate that LDPE additions can reduce thermal conductivity while maintaining structural integrity, likely supported by preservation of a porous matrix that enhances insulation performance. In contrast, high HDPE content tends to increase density and create heat-transfer pathways, raising thermal conductivity and reducing insulation effectiveness. Overall, the study highlights the technical potential of valorizing plastic waste in construction materials, supporting circular-economy strategies and reducing environmental impacts and carbon emissions by diverting plastics from incineration or landfilling.
PB SEA-EU Alliance / University of Cádiz (UCA)
YR 2025
FD 2025-10
LK http://hdl.handle.net/10498/39228
UL http://hdl.handle.net/10498/39228
LA eng
NO Poster (P_ENG_06) in BEING SEA-EU Conference 2025 Book of Abstracts.
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Cádiz
RD 09-nov-2026