UPM researchers have worked with this plastic cable waste as a secondary raw material in panels and gypsum boards for to obtain a new alternative product to existing gypsum products. In a first study, the researchers have verified the possibility of using plastic cable waste as an aggregate in plastersThe waste is not pre-treated after collection from the cable recycling company. "It has been possible to design and manufacture panels and boards with a higher surface hardness and higher elasticityThis means an improvement in terms of the appearance of cracks, and with mechanical resistance in accordance with regulations, which makes it possible to use it in construction.
According to the research team, the coating constitutes a physical barrier to the passage of heat and/or volatile substances. The thermal properties also are slightly improvedThis is a contribution to a lower energy demand compared to the traditional material". Composites have also shown a good surface comfortwhich means less cold on the outside and therefore less cold on the inside and therefore less cold on the outside. decrease in the occurrence of condensationas well as a improved adhesion to the substrate due to the increased roughness of the outer face".
