Tiles from Recycled Plastic Bottle (Pet) Wastes and POFA: Strength Properties and Durability

Abstract

Plastic waste management is a global problem that threatens the health of our planet due to its high rate of development and non-biodegradability. Also, palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is a residue produced when waste products including palm oil fiber, palm kernel shells, and palm oil hush are burned. This study investigates the feasibility of making tiles out of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste bottles and POFA (Palm oil fuel ash). This study reports on the mechanical properties, durability, and chemical tolerance of PET-wall tiles. PET waste was used in different amounts with POFA by weight (from 30% to 100%). The physical and mechanical characteristics of the tiles were examined, and it was discovered that, in terms of material density and strength, tiles containing 30% PET, have highest compressive strength of 8.37 N/mm² while samples made with higher PET content (100%) have the least compressive strength lowest water absorption value (0.12%). All the tiles produced outperformed pure cement and ceramic tiles in terms of durability, and they have a very low water absorption efficiency; the water absorption values were between 1.82% and 0.12% and good chemical tolerance. In conclusion, based on this experimental result, PET waste bottles and POFA can be used to produce long-lasting, good strength, and highly low-water-absorption eco-friendly wall tiles for both residential and commercial applications. This possibility of producing tiles from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste and POFA would not only reduce the cost of construction materials but also serve as a waste diversion to reduce environmental pollution generated by plastic waste.