LAUSR

Abstract A new alternative to support and promote sustainable development is the incorporation of waste from granite rock processing in manufacture of building paints. Thus, this study aims to evaluate and optimize the performance of latex paints based on poly vinyl acetate resin using granite waste as a pigment, varying the pigment particle size and the pH of the paints. The granite waste was tested in three different conditions: without any special treatment; after milling process; and with the addition of pH regulating agent. An experimental design of mixtures was elaborated, varying the pigment volume concentration (PVC) from 55 to 77%. The paints were evaluated for coverage power and abrasion resistance. Performance indicators were proposed, and a statistical desirability function was used to determine the formulations with acceptable performance. Reducing the particle size of the waste to an average diameter of 10 to 5 μm resulted in paints with better coverage power, and the use of the pH regulating agent to keep the pH in the range of 4–5 improved the performance of the resin. Paints with milled granite waste that present PVC in the range of 60–63% meet the specifications for the economical paint category. Paints produced with unmilled granite waste with the addition of the sulfuric acid that have PVC equal to 70% also meet such specifications. Therefore, these treatments optimized the performance of the paints.