Technological and Sustainable Assessment of Toner Powder Waste Reuse in Pavers for Architectural Applications

Due to its complex recycling process, thousands of laser printer cartridges containing toner powder waste are discarded annually in landfills—an environmentally unsustainable practice. This study presents the chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characterization of toner powder waste and evaluates its potential application in interlocking concrete blocks, commonly known as pavers. The toner powder waste was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the obtained data, concrete specimens were produced using a 1:2:3 mix ratio (cement:sand:gravel), in which sand was partially replaced by toner powder waste at three different proportions (0%, 3%, and 7%). Technological properties such as water absorption, compressive strength, leaching behavior, and optical microstructure were determined. A 3D architectural simulation was also conducted to assess the visual and practical impact of these materials in various urban scenarios. The results indicate that the inclusion of toner powder waste altered the characteristics of the pavers. The mix with 3% toner powder achieved a compressive strength of 35.73 MPa, demonstrating its viability for paver production and offering a distinct architectural appearance to the blocks. Therefore, this approach represents a sustainable alternative for toner waste disposal and supports environmentally responsible practices in the construction industry.由于回收工艺复杂，每年有数以千计装有墨粉废料的激光打印机墨盒被丢弃至填埋场，这一做法对环境而言并不具备可持续性。本研究对墨粉废料开展了化学、矿物学及形貌学表征，并评估其在联锁混凝土砌块（俗称铺路砖）中的应用潜力。本研究采用X射线荧光光谱法（X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, XRF）、傅里叶变换红外光谱法（Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR）以及扫描电子显微镜（scanning electron microscopy, SEM）对墨粉废料进行了分析。基于所得实验数据，本研究采用1:2:3的配合比（水泥:砂:碎石）制备混凝土试件，以墨粉废料部分替代砂，替代比例分别设置为0%、3%和7%。本研究测定了试件的吸水率、抗压强度、浸出特性以及光学微观结构等工程性能指标。此外，本研究还开展了三维建筑模拟，以评估该材料在不同城市场景下的视觉与实用效果。研究结果表明，掺入墨粉废料会改变铺路砖的性能。当墨粉掺入比例为3%时，试件抗压强度可达35.73 MPa，证明该材料可用于铺路砖生产，且能为砌块带来独特的建筑外观效果。因此，该方案为墨粉废料处置提供了一种可持续的替代途径，同时可为建筑业的环境友好型实践提供支撑。