Utilization of PTE and LDPE Plastic Waste and Building Material Waste as Bricks

Abstract

Plastic waste is becoming a problem in various countries because of the difficulty of natural decomposition. One type is PET plastic(Polyethylene Terephthalate), which is often used as a bottle for soft drink packaging, and LDPE(Low Density Polyethylene), which is also widely used as a food or beverage packaging material. The use of these two types of plastic continuously, without good recycling, will have a negative impact on the environment. Building material waste is also becoming a serious environmental problem. This study aims to provide a solution to the problem of the above plastic waste and building material waste by making them into a mixture to be used as bricks. Research is carried out by mixing both materials, namely plastic heated at a temperature of 180-220°C and building material waste that had been crushed and sized to 30-40 mesh with homogeneous stirring. The ratios of PET and LDPE plastic to building material waste are 9 : 1, 8 : 2, 7 : 3, 6 : 4 and 5 : 5. After heating and printing, density, water absorption and compressive strength tests are carried out. Addition of PET and LDPE plastic can increase compressive strength, and reduce water absorption, porosity and density. A maximum compressive strength of 10.5 MPa is obtained at the ratio of 6 : 4.