Production of Hollow Block Using Waste Plastic and Sand

Abstract

In building construction, hollow concrete block (HCB) is a versatile material used in the construction industry, consisting of a mixture of cement, sand, and optionally fine aggregates with water. The cost of these materials, which make up the concrete block, is expensive. So we should use a renewable natural resource that causes negative impacts on the environment. Plastics are one of the materials present in our everyday lives, which have many chemical and hazardous substances that affect human health and the surrounding environment. This study aims to produce hollow blocks using waste plastic material in the ratio of 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, and 1:5 of hollow block size 40cm X 20cm X 10cm of different Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) waste plastic and sand content. This research discussed the material used, the methodology was followed, and the production of hollow blocks and Quality control test of prepared material samples compared with the standard material specification. In this research work, many characteristics that have relevance to the production of Hollow blocks were considered. The plastic is shredded, washed, dried, and melted within the range of 257-315°C temperature in open-air. After melting of PET and HDPE into liquid-state, fixing the sand materials' proportion, mixing the sand materials fed into the mold, and testing the samples after 48 hours was conducted. The test results notice that properties of two samples produced from hollow block satisfy the class-B based on Ethiopian Building Code Standard requirements. The test result for the 1:2 ratio having 3.87Mpa. Therefore, the hollow block production has high compressive strength and low water absorption, which fulfills the standard requirement comparing with the surface property of HCB and aesthetics. The rough surface of HB creates bondage with mortar, which is easier for plastering purpose.