MUMBAI, India, July 13 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202631076573 A) filed by C. V. Raman Global University on June 20, 2026, for Polymer-Matrix Binder Fabricated From Solventactivated Waste Polystyrene To Form A Brick.
Inventors include Ms. Puja Maharana; Dr. Biraja Prasad Mishra; Ms. Rajeswari Maharana; Dr. Swagato Das; and Dr. Rakesh Kumar Patra.
The application for the patent was published on July 10, 2026, under issue no. 28/2026.
Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel process and composition for the manufacture of polymermatrix composite construction bricks wherein waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) dissolved in a hydrocarbon-based organic solvent serves as the sole primary binder for fine aggregate particles, entirely replacing cement, water, and kiln firing. Approximately 130 grams of post-consumer EPS waste is dissolved in approximately 220 millilitres of hydrocarbon-based organic solvent to form a viscous polymer-matrix binding solution, into which approximately 2 kilograms of fine aggregate passing a 4.75 mm IS sieve is incorporated and mixed uniformly for 5–8 minutes. The composite mixture is moulded, set for 24 hours, demoulded, and dried under ambient conditions for approximately 7 days, during which complete solvent evaporation causes the EPS polymer chains to re-associate and consolidate into a continuous three-dimensional hydrophobic matrix that bonds the aggregate particles without cement hydration or thermal sintering. The resulting bricks exhibit compressive strengths of not less than 10 MPa and water absorption below 5.5%, satisfying the performance thresholds required for load-bearing masonry applications. The hydrophobic polymer matrix provides outstanding moisture resistance relative to conventional clay-fired and cement-sand bricks, making the product particularly suitable for tropical and high-rainfall environments. The invention achieves a dual environmental benefit by valorising nonbiodegradable EPS plastic waste and eliminating the resource- intensive inputs of conventional brick manufacture, offering a scalable, cold-process, low-energy solution for sustainable construction material production applicable to residential, light commercial, and infrastructure building applications.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
