This report focuses on two phases of a suggested four phase study to evaluate the technological and commercial possibilities of waste - derived composites. The first phase involved a joint and comprehensive literature search to identify wastes with potential as building materials. Limited laboratory studies were conducted on composite materials produced from the more promising wastes investigated. A composite material was defined as a product containing a filler, a reinforcement and a matrix. Various characteristics were considered desirable for the filler, the reinforcement and the matrix. The wastes identified through the literature search were evaluated against these desirable properties. A listing of the evaluative criteria and the rating system used is presented. Filler materials reviewed included fly ash, crushed glass, phosphate slimes, silicate waste, shredded refuse, waste plastic, wood bark, rice hulls, taconite, red mud, coal waste foundry ash and sawdust. Reinforcement materials reviewed included carbonized lignin, bagasse, wheat straw, bark, kenaf, bamboo, wood chips, cotton waste and glass roving. Sewage sludge, sawdust, rice hulls, plastic scrap and waste glass also received attention as reinforcements.

"This document is available ... through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161." "EPA-600/8-77-006." On cover: PB-271 007. Contract nos. 68-03-2460-1 and 68-03-2056. Includes bibliographical references (pages 67-70).