Investigation and recycling of paint sludge with cement and lime for producing lightweight construction mortar

Since paint sludge (PS) consists of many toxic substances, it has high pollution potential. Incorrect disposal of the significant amount of PS threats to public health and the environment, especially in developing countries. The present research reveals investigation of construction materials production from recycled PS as an aggregate replacement. In this study, PS has been obtained from white goods industry. Various PS content has been used in both cement and lime separately then physical and mechanical properties have been investigated in the hardened condition. Interestingly, all specimens have demonstrated unexpected expansion in compare with the pure matrix at curing periods. Although adding PS to cement (PS-cement) and to lime (PS- lime) result with the relative decrease in strength; based on the obtained results, the final structure has a promising characteristic potential for lightweight residential construction materials. Besides, it has thermal and sound insulation properties due to high expansion and high porous content with reducing sources of toxics entering to environment.