The production of novel sustainable lightweight mortar from the electronic plastic waste

Abstract

Electronic plastic waste (EPW) like Compact Discs, also known as CDs or Digital Video Disc DVDs, is considered a massive challenge because of the low biodegradability of the material and exists in large quantities. Thus, using friendly alternative disposal methods for waste is becoming a significant research issue. This paper aims to explore producing lightweight mortar with fine EPW as fine aggregate to produce sustainable lightweight mortar (SLWM). To address the aim, the effect of a high percentage (50 %, 75 %) of electronic plastic waste EPW as a replacement material with sand (by weight of the sand) is compared with standard mortar (NM). Physical and mechanical characteristics such aswater absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, bulk density, and compressive strength were measured on all specimens at 7, 28, and 90 days. The results show that there is a possibility of producing SLWM from EPW, and the 50 % replacement of sand by weight gives better results than 75 % and has a mechanical strength adequate for lightweight materials.