Automotive industries produce from 2.5 to 5 kg of paint sludge for each car, thus facing relevant expenses required for its management. For this reason, since the 90’s major automotive companies have tried to find alternative solutions for a more economic and sustainable management of such a waste. In order to provide a solution, F.C.A. Italy S.p.A. funded a research project in collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino, aiming to develop and implement the process for the production of Paint Sludge Modified Binders (PSMBs) on industrial level. In particular, laboratory activities included physical and chemical characterization of fourteen paint sludge samples different for type and origin. Selected paint sludge samples were mixed with two different neat binders by adopting variable dosage. Then, the expected field performances of PSMBs were evaluated by means of a complete rheological, mechanical and environmental characterization. The last step was the production of PSMB mixtures, the properties of which were assessed in terms of mechanical performances and environmental aspects. In order to check the environmental feasibility of the project, a preliminary life cycle assessment was developed based on a case study. Finally, the project was implemented on full scale through the construction of a trial section, in which PSMB mixtures were used for a wearing course layer. Results demonstrated that the use of automotive paint sludge as modifier for bituminous binders is a feasible and environmental sustainable alternative to disposal in landfills and incineration. Despite the different effects produced by paint sludge as a function of their type, they do not alter significantly the behaviour of neat binder and, for this reason, no specific prescriptions are required to adapt equipment and procedures commonly used for laboratory testing and construction of bituminous layers. However, some recommendations are needed to avoid phase separation during storage and reflective cracking during service life. Furthermore, particular attention must be paid on the choice of the correct temperature at which paint sludge is pre-treated in order to control gaseous emissions during mixing and laying.

Reuse of automotive paint sludge in road pavements / Vercelli, Arianna. - (2017).

Reuse of automotive paint sludge in road pavements

VERCELLI, ARIANNA
2017

Abstract

Automotive industries produce from 2.5 to 5 kg of paint sludge for each car, thus facing relevant expenses required for its management. For this reason, since the 90’s major automotive companies have tried to find alternative solutions for a more economic and sustainable management of such a waste. In order to provide a solution, F.C.A. Italy S.p.A. funded a research project in collaboration with the Politecnico di Torino, aiming to develop and implement the process for the production of Paint Sludge Modified Binders (PSMBs) on industrial level. In particular, laboratory activities included physical and chemical characterization of fourteen paint sludge samples different for type and origin. Selected paint sludge samples were mixed with two different neat binders by adopting variable dosage. Then, the expected field performances of PSMBs were evaluated by means of a complete rheological, mechanical and environmental characterization. The last step was the production of PSMB mixtures, the properties of which were assessed in terms of mechanical performances and environmental aspects. In order to check the environmental feasibility of the project, a preliminary life cycle assessment was developed based on a case study. Finally, the project was implemented on full scale through the construction of a trial section, in which PSMB mixtures were used for a wearing course layer. Results demonstrated that the use of automotive paint sludge as modifier for bituminous binders is a feasible and environmental sustainable alternative to disposal in landfills and incineration. Despite the different effects produced by paint sludge as a function of their type, they do not alter significantly the behaviour of neat binder and, for this reason, no specific prescriptions are required to adapt equipment and procedures commonly used for laboratory testing and construction of bituminous layers. However, some recommendations are needed to avoid phase separation during storage and reflective cracking during service life. Furthermore, particular attention must be paid on the choice of the correct temperature at which paint sludge is pre-treated in order to control gaseous emissions during mixing and laying.
2017
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11583/2675002
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