Potential for Use of Recycled Cathode Ray Tube Glass in Making Concrete Blocks and Paving Flags

Abstract

The potential to use waste glass, including cathode ray tube (CRT) glass, for making new products or as an admixture to existing ones is being intensively investigated. This kind of research intensified particularly in the period after CRT TV sets and computer monitors were replaced in the market by the advanced technology of thin film transistor (TFT) and liquid crystal display (LCD) screens. Cathode ray tube glass represents a considerable part of electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste globally increases at a far higher rate than other solid waste materials. There is a possibility to recycle cathode ray tube glass and use it in the construction industry. This paper shows the test results of physical and mechanical properties of blocks and paving flags. The reference specimen was made with quartz sand, while the other product employed a combination of quartz sand and ground panel cathode ray tube glass. The glass was ground to the fraction 0.25/1.00 mm, which corresponds to quartz sand fineness. The following tests were performed: shape and dimensions, resistance to freeze/thaw and de-icing salts, water absorption, splitting tensile strength and tensile strength by bending. Special attention was paid to the tests of Böhme wear resistance, slip resistance of the top surface of CRT products using a pendulum, radioactivity and leaching. The texture of the experimental concrete products was observed by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and analyzed. The results obtained by experimental testing unequivocally show that CRT glass can successfully be used for making concrete blocks and paving flags.