WO2015176141A1

WO2015176141A1 - Recycled waste system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2015176141A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manuel SANABRIA
Original assignee: Mineraltec Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-23
Filing date: 2015-05-25
Publication date: 2015-11-26

Abstract

A built environment product, and method of forming a built environment product, and a 3D printing powdered media for forming a built environment product are disclosed. The built environment product is formed using three-dimensional printing, and includes powdered mineral waste media, such as recycled glass or garnet, and a binder, for binding the powdered mineral waste.

Description

RECYCLED WASTE SYSTEM AND METHOD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to recycled waste. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to the 3D printing of recycled glass in building products.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Used glass products, such as bottles and the like, are often collected for recycling. Glass is generally crushed, and used where appropriate, to create new glass. Certain glass that has been received for recycling may be contaminated, or otherwise not suitable for making new glass products. Such contaminated glass is often dumped in land fill, which landfill is undesirable for environmental and other reasons.

[0003] Sandblasting is used to clean dirt, corrosion, paint or other coatings from a variety of surfaces. Sandblasting is commonly used in a variety of industries, including in metal foundries, motor engine repairs, mining, engineering workshops, and ship dockyards.

[0004] Heavy minerals, like garnet, are commonly used as abrasive media in sandblasting, and are generally used to clean a metal surface. In particular, sandblasting is often used to remove surface coatings, such as paint, or rust from metal. The surface coatings can include various chemicals, such as anti-corrosion agents, which in turn can comprise heavy metals.

[0005] A problem with sandblasting is that significant amounts of used abrasive media, also referred to as abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW), is generated. The ABMW can contain materials from the cleaned surface which, as mentioned above can include heavy metals, and are thus hazardous. In particular, marine paints often contain heavy metals which act as anti-fouling and anti-corrosion agents. When the metal surfaces are sandblasted, the heavy metals of the paint become part of the waste ABMW.

[0006] As a result of such contamination, there are generally restrictions on the disposal of ABMW. As such, ABMW is often stockpiled on site awaiting disposal, normally to landfill. However, the metals are able to leach out of the ABMW and into soil and water supplies.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for alternate means of disposing glass and ABMW.

[0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention is directed to a built environment product, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, in one aspect the present invention resides broadly in a built environment product formed using three-dimensional printing, the built environment product including:

powdered mineral waste media; and

a binder, for binding the powdered mineral waste.

[0011] The powdered mineral waste media may be glass powder.

[0012] A substantial portion of the particles of the powdered mineral waste media may be less than 600 microns in diameter.

[0013] The built environment product may be 3D printed from a sintered powder comprising the powdered mineral waste media and the binder.

[0014] The built environment product may be 3D printed using a powdered bed of the sintered powder. Alternatively, The sintered powder may be applied by a spray nozzle.

Alternatively again, the sintered powder may be extruded.

[0015] The built environment product may be a building product.

[0016] The binder may be polymer based.

[0017] The binder may be concrete based.

[0018] The powdered mineral waste media may be abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW), wherein the ABMW is encapsulated by the binder.

[0019] The ABMW may comprise garnet that has been used for sandblasting.

[0020] The built environment product may comprise at least 30% powdered mineral waste media. [0021] The built environment product may include at least one surface substantially saturated with powdered mineral waste media. The saturated ABMW may provide a frictional surface on the building product.

[0022] The built environment product may comprise one of a wall panel, a benchtop, a sound dampening panel, a tile, a brick, a block, panel, an architectural fagade, a barrier, a paver, a tabletop, a render mix, an instant concrete mix, a retaining wall and sleeper, a fencing panel, a footpath, a prefab wall, floor and roof housing panel, an ornament, a furniture, a plastic based product, a rubber based product, a polyurethane based product, a concrete based product, and a grout.

[0023] In another form, the invention resides in a method of forming a built environment product, the method comprising:

printing, using a 3D printer, the built environment product using a mixture of powdered mineral waste media; and a binder, for binding the powdered mineral waste.

[0024] The method may comprise mixing the binder and the powdered glass to form the mixture.

[0025] The 3D printing mixture may comprise a sintered mixture.

[0026] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a 3D printing powdered media, for 3D printing a built environment product, comprising:

powdered mineral waste media; and

a binder, for binding the powdered mineral waste.

[0027] In another from, the invention resides broadly in a method of forming a product, the method comprising:

printing, using a 3D printer, the product using a mixture of powdered mineral waste media; and a binder, for binding the powdered mineral waste.

[0028] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a built environment product including:

abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW); and

a binder, for binding the ABMW,

wherein the ABMW is encapsulated by the binder.

[0029] Advantageously, embodiments of the present invention enable abrasive blasting media waste to be utilised in built environment products. Utilization of landfill for abrasive blasting media waste may thus be reduced, which in turn may reduce costs associated with abrasive blasting. Furthermore, the encapsulation of the ABMW by the binder may immobilize any hazardous content in the ABMW thus making the built environment product safe and environmentally friendly, and prevent leeching of hazardous content from the built environment product.

[0030] Preferably, the built environment product is a building product.

[0031] Preferably, the ABMW is microencapsulated by the binder. Encapsulation or microencapsulation of the ABMW by the binder may prevent any harmful residues in the ABMW from escaping into the environment. In particular, heavy metals may be safely contained by encapsulation with the binder.

[0032] The ABMW may comprise garnet that has been used for sandblasting. Alternatively, the ABMW may comprise staurolite.

[0033] The binder may be polymer based. Alternatively the binder may be concrete based. For example, the binder may comprise asphalt, polyester resin, polyurethane resin, thermoset plastic (e.g. polyester, vinyl ester, modified acrylic, epoxy, phenolic, urethane), synthetic elastomer, polysiloxane, sol-gel (e.g., polyceram), geopolymer and/or Portland cement. In a particular embodiment, the binder may comprise unsaturated polyester resin that has been cured using a Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Peroxide catalyst.

[0034] The binder may include reinforcing fibres, for reinforcing the built environment product.

[0035] The built environment product may comprise at least 30% ABMW. For example, the built environment product may comprise at least 50% ABMW, at least 75% ABMW, at least 90% ABMW, or at least 95% ABMW.

[0036] The built environment product may include at least one surface comprising polished binder. Alternatively, the at least one surface may comprise a surface coating. For example, the surface coating may comprise a lacquer or paint.

[0037] The built environment product may include at least one surface substantially saturated with ABMW. The saturated ABMW may provide a frictional surface on the building product. [0038] The built environment product may comprise a wall panel, a benchtop, a sound dampening panel, a tile, a brick, a block, panel, an architectural fagade, a barrier, a paver, a tabletop, a render mix, an instant concrete mix, a retaining wall and sleeper, a fencing panel, a footpath, a prefab wall, floor and roof housing panel, an ornament, a furniture, a plastic based product, a rubber based product, a polyurethane based product, a concrete based product, or a grout.

[0039] According to a second aspect, the present invention resides broadly in a method of forming a built environment product, the method comprising:

mixing abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW) with a binder; and

curing the mixed ABMW particles and binder,

wherein the ABMW is encapsulated by the binder.

[0040] The mixed ABMW particles and binder can be cured in a mould. [0041] The curing may be accelerated by a catalyst. [0042] The method may include mixing a colour with the ABMW particles and binder. [0043] According to certain embodiments, the method further comprises:

applying ABMW to a surface of the mixed ABMW particles and binder, prior to curing.

[0044] The mixed ABMW particles and binder may be at least partially cured in a curing chamber.

[0045] In another aspect the present invention resides broadly in a built environment product including:

abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW); and

a binder, for binding the ABMW,

wherein the building product mainly comprises ABMW.

[0046] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0047] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0048] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a system for producing a building material, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 illustrates a partial cross section of a building product, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 3 illustrates a partial cross section of a building product, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; and

[0052] Figure 4 illustrates a method of forming a building product, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic of a system 100 for producing a building material, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 can be used for manufacturing building materials using Abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW).

[0055] The system 100 includes a mix dispenser 105 for receiving and mixing resin from a resin source 110, catalyst from a catalyst source 115, colour from a colour source 120 and ABMW from an ABMW source 125.

[0056] The resin can comprise an unsaturated polyester resin, or any other resin suitable for binding the ABMW. Similarly, the catalyst can comprise Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Peroxide, or any other suitable catalyst.

[0057] The resin and catalyst bind the ABMW and colour to form a solid building product, such as a wall panel, a benchtop, a sound dampening panel, a tile, a brick, a block, panel, an architectural fagade, a barrier or a paver a render mix, an instant concrete mix, a retaining wall and sleeper, a fencing panel, a footpath, a prefab wall, floor and roof housing panel. According to alternative embodiments, the system 100 can be for producing any suitable built environment product including an ornament, a furniture, a plastic based product, a rubber based product, a polyurethane based product, a concrete based product, or a grout. The term built environment product refers to products that provide the setting for human activity, including building products, and products used in parks or green space such as outdoor furniture.

[0058] The ABMW can, for example, comprise spent garnet. Alternatively, the ABMW may comprise spent staurolite. The garnet and/or staurolite may be contaminated with paint particulate, protective coating particulate and other debris that has been stripped from a structure during sandblasting.

[0059] The colour can, for example, comprise any suitable pigment, which enables the building material to be coloured to a desired colour. For example, the colour can comprise powdered colourant, acrylic colour or the like.

[0060] The mix dispenser 105 is further configured to dispense the mixed ABMW, resin, catalyst and colour into moulds 125 for curing. The moulds 125 may be shaped to form the building material directly, or to form a component of the building material.

[0061] The filled moulds 125 are transported to a curing chamber 130 by a first conveyor 135a. The curing chamber 130 is configured to assist in curing the building material by raising a temperature of the material. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that the curing chamber 130 may also provide an increase in humidity, or any other change to the environment in the curing chamber 130 to assist in curing the building product.

[0062] The cured building materials are then transported from the curing chamber 130 using a second conveyor 135b, for packaging and distribution.

[0063] The system 100 further includes an ABMW dispenser 140, for selectively dispensing ABMW directly onto the uncured building material. This enables the ABMW to provide a texture, such as a non-grip surface, to the building material. In such case, the ABMW is denser at a surface of the building material which provides a rough surface.

[0064] Figure 2 illustrates a partial cross section of a building product 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The building product 200 can, for example, comprise a benchtop.

[0065] The building product 200 includes ABMW particles 205 encapsulated by a binder 210. Such encapsulation may prevent any harmful residues in the ABMW particles 205 from escaping into the environment. As discussed above, the ABMW particles 205 can comprise used garnet from sandblasting and the binder can comprise resin.

[0066] According to certain embodiments, the ABMW particles 205 are microencapsulated by the binder. In such case, AMBW particles 205 (or small groups of AMBW particles 205) are individually encapsulated by the binder. Microencapsulation may further prevent any harmful residues in the ABMW particles 205 from escaping into the environment.

[0067] The building product 200 includes an outer surface 215 formed of the binder 210, such that the ABMW particles 205 are not exposed. The outer surface 215 may comprise polished binder 210. According to alternative embodiments (not shown), the outer surface 215 comprises a surface coating. For example, the surface coating may comprise a lacquer or paint.

[0068] The ABMW particles 205 are evenly distributed in the binder 210. The building product 200 can comprise at least 30% ABMW. For example, the building product can comprise at least 50% ABMW, at least 75% ABMW, at least 90% ABMW or at least 95% ABMW.

[0069] Figure 3 illustrates a partial cross section of a building product 300, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The building product 300 can, for example, comprise a tile or paver.

[0070] The building product 300 includes ABMW particles 205 encapsulated by a binder 210, similar to the building product 200 of Figure 2. However, the building product 300 includes an outer surface 315 that is textured.

[0071] In particular, the building product 300 includes ABMW particles 205 that are saturated at the outer surface 315. As discussed above, ABMW may be applied to a surface of uncured mixed ABMW particles 205 and binder 210, prior to curing. The ABMW will then sink into the uncured mixture such that the ABMW is also encapsulated by the binder 210. This provides a rough surface to the building product 300.

[0072] Figure 4 illustrates a method of forming a building product, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] At step 405, Abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW) particles are mixed with a binder. As discussed above, the ABMW can comprise garnet and the binder can comprise resin and a catalyst. [0074] At step 410, the mixed ABMW and binder is poured into a mould. The mould may be shaped as the building product, or a component thereof.

[0075] At step 415, ABMW is applied to a surface of the mixed ABMW particles and binder, prior to curing. The ABMW is advantageously allowed to settle in a surface of the mixed ABMW particles and binder thus allowing the ABMW to be encapsulated by the binder while providing a rough surface to the building product.

[0076] At step 420, the mixed ABMW particles and binder are cured, for example in a curing chamber.

[0077] The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that step 415 need not be performed if a smooth surface is desired.

[0078] According to certain embodiments, the mixed ABMW and binder is pressed. As such, a high percentage of AMBW can be introduced into the building product thus providing a very strong and dense building product.

[0079] According to certain embodiments, a level of contamination of the ABMW is identified prior to use. For example an XRF instrument may identify heavy metals such as silver, arsenic, barium, bismuth, cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, copper, selenium, and/or zinc or organic substances such as dioxins, furans and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)s. Highly contaminated ABMW can then be diluted with ABMW that is less contaminated until a desired level of contamination is reached. Alternatively or additionally, highly contaminated ABMW can be treated, chemically or otherwise, including by heating the ABMW to a high temperature to melt and separate the heavy metals from the ABMW.

[0080] According to certain embodiments, the ABMW, binder, catalyst and colour is heated to a temperature of up to 2200°C to obtain a homogeneous mixture prior to curing. For example, the ABMW, binder, catalyst and colour may be heated to a temperature of approximately 1000°C.

[0081] According to some embodiments, reinforcing fibres are added to the ABMW and binder to add strength the building product.

[0082] The building product may be introduced into various moulds or direct products using spraying, casting, extrusion or 3D printing.

[0083] The mixture may be cured at room temperature or at a higher or lower temperature in a curing chamber.

[0084] According to an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the building product comprises a sound dampening barrier for dampening sound from a road. For example, the sound dampening barrier can be provided between a motorway and a housing estate, to reduce road noise front the motorway in the estate.

[0085] The sound dampening barrier may have a similar construction to a wall panel, discussed above, and be configured to extend upwardly from the ground by one or more supports.

[0086] According to certain embodiments, the sound dampening barrier includes algae, for absorbing carbon dioxide from vehicles on the motorway. As such, the sound dampening barrier may improve air quality adjacent to the motorway in addition to dampening road noise.

[0087] Building products of the present invention may be advantageous in various regards, including any of the following:

-Rapid curing at ambient temperatures;

-Physically immobilize and encapsulate hazardous waste to prevent contact with humans and environment;

-High tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths;

-Good adhesion to most surfaces;

-Good long-term durability with respect to freeze and thaw cycles;

-Ultra Low permeability to water and aggressive solutions;

-Waterproof matrix;

-Good chemical resistance;

-Good resistance against corrosion;

-Lighter weight (only somewhat less dense than traditional concrete, depending on the resin content of the mix);

-May be vibrated to fill voids in forms and moulds;

-Allows use of regular form-release agents;

-Dielectric; and

-Easily mouldable into different products.

[0088] EXAMPLE 1: Resin casting

[0089] A mould is filled with a liquid synthetic resin mixed with ABMW and allowed to harden. Resin casting may be used in the production industrial products. For example, a thermosetting resin may be used that polymerizes by mixing with a curing agent (polymerization catalyst) at room temperature and normal pressure. Examples of suitable resins include polystyrene resin, polyurethane resin, epoxy resin, unsaturated polyester resin, acrylic resin and silicone resin.

[0090] Saturated and Unsaturated polyester resin mix proportions:

Polyester resin: 2%- 90%

ABMW: 10%-95%

Methyl Ethyl Keytone Peroxide (MEKP): 2%-5%

[0091] The catalyst (MEKP) is thoroughly mixed with the polyester resin before adding the ABMW.

[0092] Polyurethane resin mix proportions:

Part A activator/Part B Resin: 5-90% (Part A and Part B 1: 1)

ABMW: 10%-95%

[0093] The Part B Resin is thoroughly mixed with the ABMW before adding Part A activator.

[0094] Epoxy resin mix proportions:

Part A activator/Part B epoxy resin: 5-90%

ABMW: 10%-95%

[0095] The desired quantity of Part B resin and Part A activator (hardener) is mixed thoroughly before adding the AMBW.

[0096] Acrylic resin mix proportions:

Part A activator/Part B Acrylic Resin: 5-90%

ABMW: 10%-95%

[0097] The desired quantity of Part B resin and Part A activator (hardener) is mixed thoroughly before adding the ABMW.

[0098] Polystyrene resin mix proportions:

Part A Temperature heat transition(vapour, oven) / Part B Polystyrene Resin: 5-90%

ABMW: 10%-95%

[0099] The desired quantity of Part A and Part B is mixed, and the ABMW is subsequently added.

[00100] Silicon resin mix proportions:

Part A activator / Part B Silicon Resin: 5-90%

ABMW: 10%-95%

[00101] The desired quantity of resin and hardener is mixed thoroughly before adding the ABMW.

[00102] EXAMPLE 2: CONCRETE AND MORTAR GROUT MIXES

[00103] Concrete shall generally comply with Building Regulations and relevant Standards, such as Australian Standard AS 2870 in Australia.

[00104] BASIC MIX: blend of Portland cement, aggregate and ABMW in a 1:2:4 proportion to achieve maximum strength (i.e. 1 part cement, 2 parts ABMW, 4 parts gravel and water).

[00105] According to other embodiments, Portland cement may be mixed with ABMW at ratios of between 1: 1 and 1:6.

[00106] According to yet other embodiments, high strength concrete can be mixed according to:

1 PART CEMENT (BINDER);

1 PART ABMW;

1 PART CHOPPED FIBRES (REINFORCING)

WATER

POLYMER.

[00107] The polymer can assist in encapsulating the AMBW by making the cement substantially waterproof. As such, any heavy metals (or other impurities) in the AMBW are unable to leech out of the building product.

[00108] Geopolymer cement is an alternative to Portland cement and can be used to produce Geopolymer concrete by adding ABMW to a geopolymer cement slurry. Made from inorganic aluminosilicate (Al-Si) polymer compounds and ABMW, up to 80% lower carbon dioxide emissions can be achieved, while having good chemical and thermal resistance and mechanical properties.

[00109] According to alternative embodiments, asphalt bituminous materials can be used as the binder.

[00110] According to certain embodiments, the above systems and methods may be used with powdered recycled glass, or any other suitable powdered mineral waste media, instead of garnet.

[00111] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for producing a powdered glass product from waste glass, for use in three dimensional (3D) printing. In particular, the product may comprise a 3D printing powdered media to be used for 3D printing in the building industry, such as building panels and the like.

[00112] The waste glass may be recovered and recycled from household and commercial waste, to produce a recycled sintered glass sand and powder, for 3D printing of building materials and the like. Crushed glass sand may be screened, cleaned, crushed, sieved, vibrated and sorted to produce a recycled glass powder in which a substantial portion of the powder is less than 600 microns in diameter.

[00113] The powdered glass is then mixed with a binder, such as UV resins, polymer resins, Portland cements, geopolymers, alloy powders, and carbon fibre and basalt powders. This process is done through uniform dispersion and sintering, with glass powder as the main ingredient, to form a 3D printing powder media.

[00114] The 3D printing powder media generally comprises of more than 30% glass powder, more than 50% glass powder, and can be used to produce a unique printable high strength building material. Several suitable 3D printing methods can be used, including the following.

[00115] Powder bed method

[00116] In the powdered bed method, sintered recycled glass powder media is spread and layered on a printer bed, potentially layer by layer, and activating by lasers, electron beams or nozzle jet spray binders.

[00117] Spray method

[00118] In the spray method, precision robotic spray machines may be used to layer deposits of 3D sintered glass powder media for structural reinforcement, fire resistance, water proofing and protective coating of a building product. The spray method is particularly suited for larger volume and area coverage, as large amounts and large areas may be sprayed.

[00119] Alternatively, the deposits of 3D sintered glass powder may be applied manually, using a spray gun or the like. In such case, the spray gun may be portable, which enables spraying of media on site, for example during construction.

[00120] Extrusion Method

[00121] In the extrusion method, 3D sintered glass powder media is combined with binder at an extrusion head, and extruded by a robotic extrusion head into a building product. The product may be formed layer by layer.

[00122] In yet another form, recycled glass sand or powder is mixed with Portland cement and geopolymers to produce a high strength concrete, suitable for forming panels of the building industry. Preferably, a cementitious building product designed to achieve strengths of between 40MPA to 150MPA is provided.

[00123] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00124] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00125] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any)

appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A built environment product formed using three-dimensional printing, the built

environment product including:

powdered mineral waste media; and

a binder, binding the powdered mineral waste.

2. The built environment product of claim 1, wherein the powdered mineral waste media is glass powder.

3. The built environment product of claim 1, wherein a substantial portion of the particles of the powdered mineral waste media are less than 600 microns in diameter.

4. The built environment product of claim 1, 3D printed from a sintered powder comprising the powdered mineral waste media and the binder.

5. The built environment product of claim 4, 3D printed using a powdered bed of the

sintered powder.

6. The built environment product of claim 4, wherein the sintered powder is applied by a spray nozzle.

7. The built environment product of claim 4, wherein sintered powder is extruded.

8. The built environment product of claim 4, wherein the built environment product is a building product.

9. The built environment product of claim 1, wherein the binder may be polymer based.

10. The built environment product of claim 1, wherein the binder may be concrete based.

11. The built environment product of claim 1, wherein powdered mineral waste media is abrasive blasting media waste (ABMW), and wherein the ABMW is encapsulated by the binder.

12. The built environment product of claim 11, wherein the ABMW comprises garnet that has been used for sandblasting.

13. The built environment product of claim 1, comprising at least 30% powdered mineral waste media.

14. The built environment product of claim 1, including at least one surface substantially saturated with powdered mineral waste media. The saturated ABMW may provide a frictional surface on the building product.

15. The built environment product of claim 1, comprising one of a wall panel, a benchtop, a sound dampening panel, a tile, a brick, a block, panel, an architectural fagade, a barrier, a paver, a tabletop, a render mix, an instant concrete mix, a retaining wall and sleeper, a fencing panel, a footpath, a prefab wall, floor and roof housing panel, an ornament, a furniture, a plastic based product, a rubber based product, a polyurethane based product, a concrete based product, and a grout.

16. A method of forming a built environment product, the method comprising:

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising generating a 3D printing mixture comprising the binder and the powdered glass.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the 3D printing mixture is a sintered mixture.

19. A 3D printing powdered media, for 3D printing a built environment product, comprising: powdered mineral waste media; and

a binder, for binding the powdered mineral waste.

20. A method of forming a product, the method comprising: