The Effect of Nanosilica and Titanium Dioxide on the Mechanical and Self-Cleaning Properties of Waste-Glass Cement Mortar

The recycling of waste glass is a major problem for municipalities worldwide due to high disposal costs and environmental concerns. Recycling glass from the municipal solid waste stream in order to manufacture new glass products is limited due to high costs, impurities, and mixed color. Although colorless waste glass has been recycled effectively, colored waste glass with its low recycling rate, has mostly been dumped into landfills. Due to its high level of impurity, colored glass cannot be processed easily. A new use was found for it, instead of creating waste: an additive in building materials.In this study, the self-cleaning properties and strength development characteristics of mortar containing waste glass and nanomaterials (nanosilica – nSiO2 and titanium dioxide – TiO2) are analyzed in terms of waste glass content and the effectiveness of commercially available nanomaterials. Quartz sand is replaced with brown waste glass at ratios of 25%, 50% and 100% by weight. The photodegradation of the rhodamine B test has been conducted to analyze the effect of titanium dioxide, nanosilica and waste glass presence in the cement mortar for its potential application in self-cleaning façades. Studies have shown that waste glass can act as a successful replacement for sand, especially when mixed partially with sand. Additionally, a positive influence of nanomaterials on the self-cleaning and mechanical properties was noted.