Utilization of Waste Materials in the Manufacture of Thai Home Decorations

Abstract

This research is on the utilization of unwanted city waste materials in the creation of Thai decorative home products so that they maintain the durability and quality similar to traditional battered mortar. The researcher has investigated, interviewed and compiled information from nine specialists and national artists residing in Petchaburi, Sukhothai and Bangkok. Two were traditional battered mortar specialists, six were stucco artists and one a material specialist. From the interviews, the researcher selected 6 formulas of traditional battered mortar that were appropriate for the objectives of the research and adapted the proportions to determine the percentage of waste materials acceptable by these specialists. The resulting formula consisted of 35% lime, 25% fine sand, 20% recycled paper, 15% cultivated banana (Nam Wa) and 5% latex glue. The material was molded using five different methods for evaluating their suitability. The study found that Re-Material Paper Stucco could be molded in the same manner as the traditional mortar in terms of bonding, flexibility for pressing and creating patterns, as well as color stability. All specialists unanimously agreed that recycled paper was suitable as component in the production of “green production” of Thai home decorations.