Sustainable Production of Building Blocks using A Recycled Plastic Waste

Abstract

Abstract: Plastic waste is one of the materials that constitutes environmental nuisance and contribute to global warming. The global need to ameliorate the effect of global warming through waste reduction and recycling necessitated this research. The study involved using recycled plastic waste to produce building blocks. The low density plastic waste were collected from dump sites, cleaned and dried before melted and mixed with a fine aggregate at different ratios. The molten slurry formed by mixture of melted plastic waste and fine was poured into the metal mould and allowed to set. The result of the study showed that plastic sand blocks have a compressive strength ranging from 6.8N/mm2 to13.15N/mm2 which has a 3.3% higher than that of normal sand blocks. The water absorption rate, bulk density and Efflorescence results are within the acceptable limits. The exhibition favorable properties of blocks and need for sustainability of our environment should encourage the use of plastic waste produced blocks. This research indicates that bricks produced with plastics exhibit fine surface finishing, low porosity, and light weight, coupled with high compressive strength. Comparatively, these bricks surpass conventional clay bricks in both strength and weight reduction. The study recommends employing bricks produced with plastics for load bearing and framed structures, as well as in wet lands. Additionally, further investigations into different mix ratios are suggested to enhance quality and durability.