Sustainable concrete utilizing waste latex paint

This study explores the utilization of Waste Latex Paint (WLP) as a sustainable additive in non-structural concrete while addressing key performance criteria by investigating the incorporation of WLP at varied quantities (2 to 20 L/m3) while maintaining a 25 MPa compressive strength threshold for low-risk applications. The research investigates the relationship between WLP quantity, compressive strength, and leaching behavior. It explores optimization strategies, including water-to-cement ratio reduction, utilizing paint defoamer and concrete defoamer, and the incorporation of superplasticizers. Analyzing compressive strength and leaching data underpins this investigation, demonstrating the concrete's performance and environmental impact. Optimization techniques facilitate maximizing WLP use while meeting non-structural criteria. The study reveals the positive impact of paint-specific defoamers and superplasticizers on compressive strength. Meanwhile, the addition of superplasticizers broadened potential applications beyond low-strength non-structural elements. Notably, the study reveals that late biocide addition compromised compressive strength without affecting leaching. [Display omitted] •Sustainable waste reduction with high-content WLP in concrete.•Preserving strength with higher WLP levels in concrete.•Enhancing WLP-concrete using defoamers and superplasticizers.•Durability study on leaching of heavy metals and organic compounds from WLP-concrete.