Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate is majorly used for packaging of various products because of its resistance to chemical attack and environmental degradation, but the proper disposal of this non-biodegradable material has been a major challenge. Pyrolysis is the melting of plastic in the absence of oxygen. Currently pyrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate is considered as a viable recycling method since it only requires 5% of the calorific value of polyethylene terephthalate. This research was aimed at designing a pyrolysis plant for the production of construction materials with acceptable mechanical properties such as compressive strength and water absorption. Sustainable, eco-friendly road construction from bituminous concrete with waste polyethylene terephthalate has the capability of reducing carbon emissions. The polyethylene terephthalate bituminous composite has the flexibility of plastic but strength of concrete. The bricks have a maximum compressive strength of 10 N/mm2 which is within the standard range and have less water absorbing tendencies hence have a longer lifespan. Value addition is equally important in the pyrolysis plant so as to contribute to sustainable development. This book chapter reviews the different products such as polyethylene terephthalate composite bricks and flexible pavements which can effectively use polyethylene terephthalate waste as a raw material.
Highlights
The general failures linked with basic bituminous asphaltic concrete (BAC), which are commonly used in surfacing courses in bricks and flexible pavements include rutting, bleeding, polish, cracking and potholes
Repurposing of the waste Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic in raw BAC used in bricks and pavements will be a more sustainable waste management option since flexible pavements constitute over 90% of paved roads around the world [6]
It enlightens on the concept of eco-friendly road construction by use of flexible pavements and bricks by utilizing waste, non-biodegradable PET plastic
Summary
The word plastic refers to any material which is made of synthetic or organic compound which has malleable properties. Much of the waste generated from this PET has ended up in water drains and eventually into the ocean It is the belief of some school of thoughts that by 2050, there will be more plastics than fish in the ocean of the world if this trend is not quickly addressed [2]. Plastic pyrolysis is a tertiary recycling method for disposing of waste and repurposing it in a sustainable manner [5]. Repurposing of the waste PET plastic in raw BAC used in bricks and pavements will be a more sustainable waste management option since flexible pavements constitute over 90% of paved roads around the world [6]. The conversion of PET to bricks would be a more sustainable method of recycling plastic waste
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