Abstract
The cost of construction materials and the required natural resources to produce the materials with the enabling environment is affecting the world's construction industry which is growing at an alarming rate. Also, plastic wastes have posed a major threat to the environment due to their large usage, non-biodegradability nature, and pollution through incineration and landfill. Recycling these wastes into tiles will be a great advantage. This study aims at examining mechanical properties of tile made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) wastes, fly ash, and river sand aggregate. The PET wastes of varying percentages of 100%, 90%, 70%, 50%, and 30% by weight to other aggregates. The evaluation of physical and mechanical properties shows that, in terms of material density, strength, and flammability resistance, the tiles with 30% of the plastic waste yields better results than other proportions of the waste. According to the results obtained, this composite tile has a very low % porosity value (2.8- 0.11%) compared to cement or ceramic tiles. Also, the composite tile (PFST1) with 30% and 35% sand and fly ash displayed lower flammability of 7.76mm/min linear burning rate and enhanced compressive strength of 11.10 MPa. The chemical tolerance of these composite tiles was also investigated by soaking in different acid, base, and alkaline for seven days, which has no significant difference in terms of weight and appearance. In conclusion, PET plastic tiles have good strength, decrease flammability, low water absorption, and eco-friendliness as tiles products. This prospect would not only minimize the cost of building products but will also act as a waste diversion to mitigate the environment caused by plastic waste disposal.
Highlights
Plastics have evolved into a necessary substance for daily use, with annual use gradually increasing over the last decades, owing primarily to inherited qualities such as low cost, simple-usable designs, manufacturing abilities, long-lasting, light in weight, and strength
Plastics were generated in 8.3 billion metric tons worldwide in 2017, with 80% of them being thrown in landfills or damaging the environment after usage [4, 5,6]
Plastics are commonly used as packing materials, but their wastes can be used in the construction industries to produce construction materials, such as floor tiles, roof tiles, building blocks, etc
Summary
Plastics have evolved into a necessary substance for daily use, with annual use gradually increasing over the last decades, owing primarily to inherited qualities such as low cost, simple-usable designs, manufacturing abilities, long-lasting, light in weight, and strength. Plastics are commonly used as packing materials, but their wastes can be used in the construction industries to produce construction materials, such as floor tiles, roof tiles, building blocks, etc. This can reduce construction costs and minimize environmental pollution. Researchers have suggested the use of plastic wastes in concrete production for two major reasons; first, to resolve the environmental problem associated with their disposal; and second, to reduce construction costs since they are available in great quantities [9]. This research is entirely focused on designing and producing reliable tiles with better strength and flame resistance using recycled PET bottles, river sand, and fly ash
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