This study investigated the feasibility of utilizing paper sludge (PS) as feedstock in the production of composite boards that are lightweight, durable and environmentally friendly. PS samples were collected from recycled newsprint (RN), corrugated recycled (CR) and virgin pulp (VP) pulping mills in South Africa. The PS was dried and mixed with magnesium phosphate cement to produce boards in a central composite design. Three different fillers including fly ash, calcium carbonate and silica fume were also added to the mix as binder replacement. The PS was characterized before use, and the produced composite board was evaluated for mechanical and physical properties. The boards produced had medium to high density (0.52—1.12 g/cm³) that could be used for non-structural interior applications. The results showed that boards containing RN had the highest mean value for modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 769 MPa. The mean MOE for boards containing CR- and VP-PS was 357 and 411 MPa, respectively. Calcium carbonate had the best effect on the board properties. Techno-economic analysis was simulated for four different types of feedstock scenarios at different locations including a combined scenario. Sensitivity analysis revealed that decreased feedstock cost resulted in decreased minimum required selling price. The analysis also revealed that the combined scenario proved to be the most cost-effective and profitable option for the future.

Graphic Abstract

中文翻译：

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磷酸镁水泥中纸浆的前景：复合板性能和技术经济分析

这项研究调查了在生产轻质，耐用和环保的复合板时，以纸浆（PS）为原料的可行性。PS样品是从南非的再生新闻纸（RN），瓦楞纸再生（CR）和原浆（VP）制浆厂收集的。将PS干燥并与磷酸镁水泥混合，制成中央复合设计的木板。还将三种不同的填料（包括粉煤灰，碳酸钙和硅粉）添加到混合物中，以代替粘合剂。使用前对PS进行表征，并对生产的复合板的机械和物理性能进行评估。所生产的木板具有中等至高密度（0.52-1.12 g / cm ³），可用于非结构性室内应用。结果表明，含有RN的板的弹性模量（MOE）平均值最高，为769 MPa。含CR-和VP-PS的板的平均MOE分别为357和411 MPa。碳酸钙对板的性能影响最大。针对不同地点的四种不同类型的原料情景（包括组合情景）进行了技术经济分析模拟。敏感性分析显示，原料成本的降低导致最低所需售价的降低。分析还显示，合并的方案被证明是未来最具成本效益和利润的选择。

图形摘要