Physical and mechanical properties of synthetic beams from high density polyethylene waste

Abstract

Improper processing of plastic waste can cause several environmental problems, such as air pollution, soil damage, respiratory diseases, and others. This research utilizes high density polyethylene (HDPE) waste as a basic material for synthetic beams. The manufacture of synthetic beams goes through several stages, such as washing, drying, crushing, chopping, and melting HDPE waste, as well as moulding into a block. The physical properties examined in this study include compressive strength, flexural strength, density, and ductility which refer to SNI 03-3958-1995 and SNI 03-3959-1995 codes. From the test results, it was obtained that the average compressive strength and flexural strength of synthetic beams were 1.52 – 2.53 MPa and 0.61 – 0.95 MPa, respectively. Synthetic beams have an average modulus of elasticity of 109.4 MPa, and a density of 834.8 kg/m3. The test results from this study indicate that the strength of synthetic beams from HDPE is low and does not meet the requirements for use as a construction material. In further research, innovation is needed to obtain stronger synthetic beams.