Hygroscopic Mortar

Developing a new material is always a stimulating challenge. It is not about inventing something. The main objective is to combine pre-existing materials in such a way that the final result guarantees performance in accordance with the intended use. This is the case with the use of ceramics as a recovered by-product so that it can have a new life cycle.

Thinking of ceramics as the element to be bonded, while respecting the concepts of zero kilometre products and the circular economy, for the remaining components of this new life cycle it is necessary to study the relationship between ceramics, stone materials as compatible aggregates and natural cement as a binder (or a cement with a low environmental impact), all of which can be found in Mallorca.

The result is an aggregate that has high hygroscopic properties with a resistance suitable for use in different solutions for construction, building and renovation, and, although the use of ceramic material limits the structural performance of paving stones for traffic and heavy loads, the great hygroscopic and draining properties of this material allows a high level of water filtration and lets water to naturally seep into the ground, or be captured and retained in lower layers for subsequent reuse or controlled drainage.

In this way, paving stones can serve as environmentally friendly surfaces for pedestrian networks and non-motorised road traffic, both in terms of their relationship with the natural environment with regard to their constituent materials and in terms of their properties once they have been installed until the end of their useful life cycle.

The carbon footprint of the resulting material is low impact, since it is made up of a high percentage of stone materials with an almost zero CO2 emissions footprint, along with other materials that are obtained from the reuse of ceramic products with no further processing. The binder used contains either natural cements or low environmental impact cements in quantities that in no case exceed 15% of the total material.

Composition:
85% crushed ceramic + recycled stone
15% stabilised with white cement

Research using local waste materials of inorganic origin: Architectural Constructions and Building Engineering Research Group (UIB/FUEIB).

Research and industrial development: Pavimentos Lloseta

Raw materials: Ladrillerías Mallorquinas, Pavimentos Lloseta

Product design: Nico Guevara, Guillem Aloy, Tònia Fuster