Participant Detail

Research Title

Nopalbrick: Sustainable brick made from recycled waste and nopal mucilage, designed as an eco-friendly alternative for construction.

Research Abstract

This research focuses on the development and evaluation of an ecological brick made from locally available organic and inorganic waste materials, using nopal mucilage as a natural binder, as a sustainable alternative to conventional construction materials. The purpose of the study is to address environmental problems caused by construction and demolition waste and pollution generated by traditional brick production. An experimental methodology was applied, including the collection, preparation, and mixing of recycled materials such as coffee grounds, eggshell powder, sugarcane fiber, PET plastic, sand, and hydrated lime. The mixture was molded and dried naturally without firing, and the resulting bricks were tested for mechanical resistance, water absorption, and structural stability. The results showed that the prototype bricks achieved adequate cohesion and supported loads between 13.5 and 16 kg without fractures or visible deformation, while maintaining integrity after water exposure. These findings indicate that material composition influences performance. The study concludes that eco-bricks using nopal mucilage are a viable, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable solution that promotes circular economy principles and potential applications in environmental infrastructure. Key words: Ecological brick, nopal mucilage, sustainable construction.