Water-Based Paint Waste as an Additive to Geopolymer Concrete

OBJECTIVES

To develop a new geopolymer concrete product using water-based paint waste as a key ingredient

Understand how different types of paint waste behave in geopolymer mixtures

Test the workability, strength, and safety of concrete made with water-based paint, including leaching behaviour

Create sample products and explore a pilot project using water-based paint geopolymer concrete

Team

Weena Lokuge

Lead Researcher

Dhasindrakrishna Kitnasamy

Research Fellow

Partners

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ)

Paintback Ltd

Progress

SUMMARY

This research project, led by the University of Southern Queensland in partnership with RMIT and Paintback Pty Ltd, is working to turn water-based paint waste into a valuable ingredient for geopolymer concrete. Early tests show that paint waste can replace the most costly part of geopolymer concrete—the alkali activator—making it both cheaper and more sustainable. A specific concrete mix has been developed to suit the needs of Besser block production. The team is currently working with the Department of Environment and Science to get approval for transporting paint waste from Victoria to Queensland. Once approved, this project will offer a large-scale, upcycled solution for dealing with leftover water-based paint.

OPPORTUNITIES

Research grants focused on recycling and sustainable construction

Contribution to the manufacturing of low-cost, eco-friendly building materials

Collaboration with industry partners opens doors to large-scale pilot testing and commercial production