Mechanical Properties and Durability of PET waste Aggregates in Roof Tiles Production

Abstract

Managing plastic waste is a global challenge that challenges the protection of our ecosystem due to its high rate of generation and its non-biodegradability. PWs must, however, be carefully handled to mitigate the emissions involved with their incineration and dumping into landfills. Plastic waste can be recycled into new usable building materials. In this analysis, shredded PET waste aggregate from a recycling center was heated at 230 0C and used as a binding aggregate incomplete replacement of cement with river sand to produce floor tiles. The properties of the aggregate materials and roof tiles (including their distribution of particle size, silt, clay and dust content, relative density, water absorption, porosity, flexural and compressive strength) were tested on different PET waste: sand mixing ratio, 100%, 90%, 70%, 50%, and 30%. Results revealed that the tiles produced by 30% PET and 70% river sand (3:7) achieved higher density, flexural and compressive strength than the other percentages of the mixture. The compressive strength of the tiles produced with 30 percent PET waste composition was greater than that of cement concrete (at 28 days of curing) for residential buildings. As a result of this low water absorption and eco-friendliness, PET waste can be used for roof tiles at 30 percent PET substitution based on the test results.