Lightweight material made with gypsum and extruded polystyrene waste with enhanced thermal behaviour

This work studies the physical and mechanical properties of a new lightweight construction material made with gypsum and extruded polystyrene waste (XPSw). To this end, composites prepared with different percentages and particle sizes of this waste were tested by their capillary absorption, density, shore C surface hardness, mechanical strength and thermal behaviour. Furthermore, the interface of materials was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results show that the progressive incorporation of an increasing percentage of XPSw improves capillary absorption and thermal resistance of the gypsum composite and decreases its density and mechanical strength.