Recycling of Plaster of Paris Idols

Abstract

Plaster of Paris (POP) is widely used in construction, medical applications, and artistic works due to its quick-setting properties and versatility. However, its disposal poses significant environmental concerns, including landfill accumulation and water pollution. Conventional recycling methods remain inefficient or economically unviable, necessitating the development of a sustainable alternative. This study explores an innovative recycling process for POP using sodium bicarbonate, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution. The research follows an 11-step methodology that includes pollution impact assessment, theoretical and experimental investigations of POP decomposition, high-temperature reaction analysis, boiler system design, cost evaluation, and chemical separation techniques. Sodium bicarbonate is examined for its ability to facilitate the decomposition of POP into reusable components, thereby reducing waste generation. Experimental results demonstrate that sodium bicarbonate effectively breaks down POP into calcium carbonate and other reusable byproducts under optimized reaction conditions. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of temperature, reaction time, and material concentration on the efficiency of the process. A crucial aspect of this research is the design and optimization of a boiler system that enhances the thermal decomposition of POP, making large-scale recycling feasible. Economic assessments reveal that the proposed method significantly lowers processing costs compared to conventional disposal or recycling techniques. Moreover, by reducing POP waste and promoting material reuse, the process contributes to environmental sustainability and industrial circularity. The findings underscore the potential of sodium bicarbonate as a key reagent in sustainable POP recycling. Future work will focus on scaling up the process, optimizing reaction conditions, and integrating the technology into industrial applications. This research advances innovative recycling technologies, offering both environmental and economic benefits while addressing the growing concerns of POP disposal and its ecological footprint.