Artificial marble production and characterization from some industrial wastes

In this study, some industrial wastes (glass and ceramic) were subjected to crushing, grinding and classification to 150 μm, 300 μm, 600 μm dimensions, then mixed with polyester resin, molded and artificial marble samples were prepared. At the end of the 28-days curing period, the prepared artificial marble samples were subjected to water absorption, unit weight, ultrasonic velocity, Schmidt hardness, uniaxial compressive strength tests to determine their physicomechanical properties. In order to determine the resistance to environmental conditions samples subjected to freeze-thaw, thermal shock and salt crystallisation cycles and changes in physicomechanical properties, color and gloss were determined. When the physicomechanical properties of artificial marble samples are compared with those of natural marbles, it has been found that they are suitable for use. In all ageing cycles it was observed that weight loss developed in the samples and deterioration in color and glossiness were observed. It has been understood that thermal shock cycles are the most important effect on artificial marble samples. It was determined that the artificial marble samples produced using glass waste samples were more stable than the produced using ceramic waste. Keywords: Artificial marble, glass waste, ceramic waste, marble