Researchers Create Bricks With Paper Waste

Spanish scientists are developing a method of crafting clay bricks with a mixture of waste from paper products. Adding waste to the brick making process allows organic content material to help fuel the machines, which could effectively help reduce fuel consumption.

Researchers in Spain are taking sustainability to new lengths by making bricks out of paper waste, though the process will need more fine-tuning before the pavers see the light of a local backyard.

To make the bricks, a team of scientists from Spain's University of Jaen gathered cellulose waste from a paper mill, along with sludge left over from the purification of the plant's wastewater. Both were then mixed with building clay, pressurized, and extruded in one long sausage-like piece. That "sausage" was sliced into brick shapes and fired in a kiln.

The researchers found that the paper content required less firing time, potentially saving on energy and production costs, and the bricks tested with better insulating properties than standard bricks. Though the brick forms were small, full-size units were created and reportedly displayed similar qualities. The mechanical resistance of the bricks was found to be lacking during testing, however – registering better than the legal minimums but lesser than conventional bricks. Additional waste material from products like beer, biodiesel and even sewage are being tested to improve the mixture.