Impact of circular silica aerogel on plasterboard recycling

Silica aerogels have high specific surface area, high porosity, low density, and high thermal insulation values. These properties enhance the thermal performance of plasterboards but can have deleterious effects on the mechanical properties. At the end of life, plasterboards containing silica aerogel could be recycled via physical and acid leaching purification processes. The main aim of this work was to determine the impact of circular silica aerogel on plasterboard recyclability. Circular silica aerogel was produced through hydrothermal conversion of silica-based building waste. The circular silica aerogel was easily recovered during the acid leaching purification stage of the recycling process. Future work will evaluate the impact of silica aerogel on the thermal conductivity and mechanical strength of plasterboard containing circular silica aerogel.