Waste glass as an eco-friendly substitute in plastering mortars: analyzing microstructure, thermal, and mechanical properties

This study investigates waste glass (WG) as an environmentally friendly substitute for natural sand in cement mixtures. Plastering mortars were fabricated by replacing sand with WG at proportions of 10%, 20%, and 30%. X-ray diffraction, Thermogravimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy characterized the mortars. Compressive strength was measured at two ages (7 and 28 days) for WG-containing mortars. Results confirm the suitability of waste glass as a sand replacement in mortars, with the 20% WG sample showing optimal compressive strength, contributing to environmental and economic impact reduction. Thermogravimetric analysis of the 30% WG mortar shows a significant difference in mass loss percentages compared to the reference mortar, losing only 3.65% at 28 days versus 7.85%. Additionally, waste glass increased mortar density, reducing porosity and enhancing structural uniformity. Despite a decrease in compressive strength values, the results remain satisfactory for application in the Civil Construction industry. This comprehensive exploration underscores the potential of waste glass as a sustainable alternative, emphasizing its positive effects on both performance and environmental considerations.