INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS: BYPRODUCT FROM INDUSTRIAL WASTE OF SUPERABSORBENT POLYMER AND CELLULOSIC FIBER (PSAR) AS AN INTERNAL CURING AGENT IN PORTLAND CEMENT MATRICES

Abstract

Curing is one of the most important processes in the post-concreting period so that the concrete can achieve the desired mechanical strength and durability. Materials that have water retention capacity and subsequent gradual release, can be effective as agents of internal cure. The study aims to evaluate the potential market and symbiotic relationships between agents involved in the elaboration of a byproduct, using external recycling, made from industrial waste of superabsorbent polymer and cellulosic fiber (PSAR), to use as an internal curing agent in Portland cement matrices. For this, the characterization was made regarding the absorption, PSAR estimation in the samples, the market study and the symbiotic relations from the technical, economic and environmental point of view between the agents involved in the development of this byproduct. The absorption difference between the analyzed products can be up to 88.24%. The waste from only one manufacturer would be able to supply 6.85% of the potential Brazilian market. The research unit makes the intermediation between practically all the agents involved. The main motivation for symbiotic relationships in this case was economic; technical relationships took place consequently. There are individual benefits for those involved, but the most significant results are noticed through the integrality of the relationships. The interactions, although economically motivated, have the potential to reduce environmental impacts, reducing atmospheric emissions, water consumption and waste generation, also promoting positive changes in the performance of Portland cement matrices.