Thermal Conductivity in Mortar Samples with Copper Mine Tailings

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Background:

• Growing mine tailings present environmental concerns.
• Reusing tailings in construction reduces reliance on natural aggregates.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the impact of copper mine tailings on mortar's thermal conductivity.
• Assess the feasibility of tailings as a sustainable construction material.

Main Methods:

• Mortar samples were prepared with 10% to 50% copper mine tailings replacing coarse aggregates.
• Thermal conductivity was measured using the transient line source method.
• Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was employed for statistical significance.

Main Results:

• Mortar's thermal conductivity increased from 0.32 W/m·K (control) to 0.52 W/m·K (50% tailings).
• Tailings content significantly influenced thermal conductivity.
• Higher quartz content in tailings enhanced heat transfer.

Conclusions:

• Copper mine tailings can effectively modify mortar's thermal conductivity.
• This reuse offers a sustainable solution for mine waste management.
• Findings support the use of tailings in construction materials.