Mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity of pumice stone/sludge filled thermosetting composites

The exploitation of natural quarries generates a high amount waste as result the extraction, screening and segmentation processes. These usually inert wastes are not typically reused end up in landfills. There is an urgent need for sustainable solutions aiming at valorisation these mineral through development innovative products with greater added value active functionalities. In this work, applicability different was tested on advanced ecocomposites. Several formulations/conditions, using green epoxy polyester matrixes, were assessed order to determine reasonable production parameters. Additionally, two antibacterial agents efficacy tested. overall mechanical performance ecocomposite evaluated during every stage development. combination dried sludge resin (SE_70), containing 70% waste, revealed be most promising composition interesting properties (tensile strength 91.63 ± 3.31 (MPa); strain (%) 0.69 0.05; Young's modulus (GPa) 13.65 0.64). functionalization samples successful activity confirmed. However, agent affected short-term properties. Nevertheless, QUV® accelerated weathering test confirmed that main long-term unaffected. Thus, it concluded from quarry activities can use new products.