Cement composites with replacement of natural aggregates by recycled glass from photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The paper presents the results of an experimental research on the use of recycled glass from photovoltaic panels as a 100 % replacement of natural aggregate in cement composites. The findings reveal that recycled glass aggregate (RGA) improves early-age compressive strength more than twice compared to reference mixes but causes a reduction by up to 40 % in compressive strength after 180 days, indicating suitability primarily for applications requiring rapid strength gain rather than long-term structural durability. The RGA-containing mixes show a density reduction of approximately 6 %, suggesting potential for lightweight construction. Workability increased by 2-8 %, facilitating easier placement and compaction. In addition, replacing natural aggregates with RGA significantly improves insulation by reducing thermal conductivity and diffusivity, making it beneficial for energy-efficient building applications. Furthermore, water absorption dropped by 9 %, reflecting improved moisture resistance due to reduced porosity. However, environmental analysis highlights a trade-off: while RGA promotes waste utilization and conserves natural resources, it increases global warming potential (GWP) by approximately 20 % and ozone depletion potential (ODP) by 11 % due to energy-intensive processing and transportation emissions. Despite these drawbacks, RGA use reduces water consumption, metal depletion, and land occupation by up to 38 %, demonstrating significant resource conservation benefits. These results highlight the complex balance between performance advantages and environmental impacts when integrating RGA into cement composites.The paper presents the results of an experimental research on the use of recycled glass from photovoltaic panels as a 100 % replacement of natural aggregate in cement composites. The findings reveal that recycled glass aggregate (RGA) improves early-age compressive strength more than twice compared to reference mixes but causes a reduction by up to 40 % in compressive strength after 180 days, indicating suitability primarily for applications requiring rapid strength gain rather than long-term structural durability. The RGA-containing mixes show a density reduction of approximately 6 %, suggesting potential for lightweight construction. Workability increased by 2-8 %, facilitating easier placement and compaction. In addition, replacing natural aggregates with RGA significantly improves insulation by reducing thermal conductivity and diffusivity, making it beneficial for energy-efficient building applications. Furthermore, water absorption dropped by 9 %, reflecting improved moisture resistance due to reduced porosity. However, environmental analysis highlights a trade-off: while RGA promotes waste utilization and conserves natural resources, it increases global warming potential (GWP) by approximately 20 % and ozone depletion potential (ODP) by 11 % due to energy-intensive processing and transportation emissions. Despite these drawbacks, RGA use reduces water consumption, metal depletion, and land occupation by up to 38 %, demonstrating significant resource conservation benefits. These results highlight the complex balance between performance advantages and environmental impacts when integrating RGA into cement composites.