Stabilization of photovoltaic panels cell wastes in building material matrices

Abstract

This is a study about the hydration process of a mixture of Portland cement and solar photovoltaic cells waste. The nature of the hydration products of different compositions of these mixtures have been evaluated, at 20º C of temperature, by means of the analysis of samples throughout x- ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. The total porosity and mechanical strength development of those materials was also determined. It was revealed that the presence of solar cell residue –up to 5%- in the cement matrices do not induce to the develop of new hydration products different of those from the normal hydration of the Portland cement. However, the presence of the waste induces to a reduction of the mechanical strength and an increase in the total porosity is evidenced.