Performance of lime-based coating mortars with aggregate from different industries

This study focuses on the reuse of various types of waste, including industrial waste from aquaculture (oyster shells), plastics (disposable protective masks), and construction and demolition waste used as aggregates in hydraulic lime mortars. The researchers conducted mortar characterisation tests in the fresh state, as well as in the hardened state. The mortars containing oyster shells and construction and demolition recycled aggregates did not exhibit significant differences compared to the reference mortar. However, the mortars produced with construction and demolition recycled aggregates demonstrated higher mechanical strengths than the other mixtures. The viscosity of the reference mortar and of the mortars with 100% construction and demolition recycled aggregate showed similar results. The type IIR face mask waste incorporation into the mortars resulted in the lowest density of all lime-based mortars tested. Utilising industrial waste in composites contributes to a circular economy, reducing raw material extraction, and minimising landfilling.