Low-density Polyethylene Plastic Waste Research Articles

The Effect of Low-Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE) Towards Plastic Oil Quality

Nowadays, the use of plastics is inseparable from daily life activities for both industrial commercial and household needs. Every year, an average individual consumes 700 plastic bags. Furthermore, the major types of plastic pollutants are High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). The nature of LDPE plastic makes it very difficult to undergo decomposition. Subsequently, efforts to overcome this problem have been carried out by several methods of processing or utilizing its waste through pyrolysis. This study aims to determine the effect of the quality of LDPE plastic waste on the plastic oil produced from the pyrolysis process. Based on their chemical compounds, all plastic oils produced were categorized as carbon compounds instead of hydrocarbons. Although, from the quality of the LDPE plastic used, the process produced gasoline, naphtha, and kerosene, the quality of each oil was different. Therefore, the higher the quality of the LDPE plastic used, the better the quality of the oil produced

Kajian Karakteristik dan Energi pada Pirolisis Limbah Plastik Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)

Low-Density Poly Ethylene (LDPE), plastic waste cannot be broken down by microorganisms in the soil, has no sale value, so it is buried in the final waste disposal site. One of the plastic waste treatment methods is the pyrolysis process. The purpose of this study was to determine the type of fuel oil from pyrolysis products and to determine the energy efficiency produced against the highest fuel use. The pyrolysis equipment used is 1 reactor unit and 1 condenser unit. The characteristics of the fuel oil product analyzed are the cetane index, density, sulfur content, kinematic viscosity, flash point, and caloric value of the pyrolysis process which varies the combustion temperature in the reactor by 200°C, 250°C, 300°C and the process in the reactor, with and without the use of natural zeolite catalysts 1% against 2.5 kg of LDPE plastic waste for 6 hours. After the type of fuel produced is identified, an energy efficiency assessment of the fuel product is carried out on the use of fuel in the pyrolysis process. The results analysis show that the all product of fuel oil is a kerosene-type of fuel. The highest efficiency of 72.51% is the kerosene produced in pyrolysis using a catalyst at a temperature of 250°C with an energy value ratio of 20,402 kcal for kerosene from pyrolysis of LDPE plastic waste and 28,137 kcal for the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuel in the pyrolysis process. Pyrolysis using a 1% zeolite catalyst at 250°C has proven to be an efficient and sustainable way to treat LDPE waste into kerosene fuel.

Effects of short-term aging on the physical and rheological properties of plastic waste-modified bitumen

The current study aimed at examining the potential use of recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste as a modifier for bituminous binders. Plastic bags were collected, cleaned, shredded and were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA–DSC) test. The LDPE plastic waste was blended with 35/50 penetration grade bitumen at three concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5% by weight of bitumen). The physical properties of the modified bitumen were determined using softening point and penetration test, while the rheological properties were evaluated using a dynamic shear rheometer test. The tests were conducted on the unaged binders and on the rolling thin film oven test residue. The test results showed that when plastic waste had been added into bitumen, the penetration values decreased, whereas the softening point increased. Furthermore, the rheological properties were improved at high in-service temperatures leading to a decrease in thermal and kinetic sensitivities and an increase in the rutting resistance of bitumen. The modified bitumen with 3% of plastic waste was the most consistent and least sensitive to aging. In addition to improving the properties of bitumen binders, industrial waste use practices will also protect the environment.

Utilization of LDPE plastic waste on the quality of pyrolysis oil as an asphalt solvent alternative

Natural asphalt cannot be used directly because of hardness and low penetration, so it needs to be softened with a solvent. A solvent that can be used is from oil plastic pyrolysis as an alternative additive. Plastics are now an inseparable item from daily necessities and are the largest pollutant on the environment. Plastic is a polymer that is difficult to be decomposed, and one way to decompose it is through pyrolysis or thermal cracking. This research studies the quality effect of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastics waste on the quantity and quality of oil yield produced through the pyrolysis process in the three reactor outlets. LDPE plastics waste used was distinguished: LDPE-White, LDPE Mixed-plastic, and LDPE Blend-plastic. The results showed that, in the process of plastic pyrolysis LDPE, in addition to affecting the yield of produced oil, the quality of plastic is also influenced by the length of time of pyrolysis. The better the quality of the plastic is, the higher the oil yield and the shorter the pyrolysis times are. LDPE plastic pyrolysis at 250 °C produces the maximum yield. Most oil yields, namely 99.78%, 75.60%, and 50.29% were produced by LDPE white plastics, mixed plastics, and blend plastics, respectively, when pyrolyzed for 110, 180, and 270 min. The economic yields of each plastic of 88.78%, 60.68%, and 40.35% were generated if each was hydrolyzed for 60, and 80 min.

Assessment of Mechanical Properties of Recycled HDPE and LDPE Plastic Wastes

Most plastic materials can be recycled, and turning them into some useful products can be one of the options in reducing environmental pollutions. In this project, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) were used, shredded into smaller pieces and were hot-pressed to become flat plates. Both materials were then mixed with industrial waste sawdust with an aim to investigate their material properties and their suitability to be used in domestic applications such as bricks, pavement and roof tiles. Three destructive and one non-destructive methods have been conducted: tensile, impact, water absorption and ultrasonic testing. It was found that the tensile properties and impact resistance of the recycled HDPE are better than the recycled LDPE, but 10% lower than their virgin polymers. Higher stiffness and lower impact resistance were observed from specimens with additional sawdust filler in comparison to their original polymers. From the ultrasonic measurement, higher wave velocity and lower attenuation in HDPE specimens were observed, compared to the LDPE specimens, attributed by a higher modulus and density of the HDPE specimens. The ultrasonic velocity, which reflects the elastic modulus, and the attenuation that reflect the microstructure inhomogeneity are respectively decreased and increased when more fillers were added to the original specimens. This study reveals that the mechanical properties of the recycled HDPE and LDPE are closer to their virgin materials, and they have huge potential for plastic recycling.

Recycling of high impact polystyrene and low-density polyethylene plastic wastes in lightweight based concrete for sustainable construction

In recent times, a substantial part of the generated solid waste all over the world are plastic-related waste with wide ranges of serious environmental and public health consequences. This study investigates the beneficial use of recycled high impact polystyrene (HIPS) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic wastes in cement-based composites for production of high strength lightweight concrete. The HIPS and LDPE plastic wastes were recycled into plastic granules of about 2 mm particle sizes and was used to partially substitute the sand in the concrete mixes at varied percentage levels of 0, 10, 30 and 50% by weight using a mixture proportion of 1:1.5:3 (cement: m-sand: coarse aggregate) at water-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.5 with a target characteristic strength of 30 N/mm2 at 28 days. The material characteristics were defined, and concrete cube samples of size 100 mm were cast and tested in the fresh and hardened state. Test results indicate a decrease in the workability, density and compressive strength as the quantities of the recycled waste plastic granules increases. Implications of these results show the possibility of using recycled plastic granules from both high impact polystyrene and low-density polyethylene plastic wastes at optimum of 10% for producing lightweight-high strength concrete that is closely similar in strength to lightweight concrete produce with conventional materials.

Characteristic of Coconut-Shell Ash as Filler and LDPE Plastic Waste as Substitution Materials of Porous Asphalt Mixtures

Porous asphalt is designed to have a relatively higher porosity than other pavement types, this porous property is obtained because the proportion of fine aggregate is less than other types of mixtures. In an effort to increase the strength of porous asphalt pavement structures, it is required to use other added materials both as additives, stabilizers and substitution materials. In this study, the added material used was low density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste as a substitute for asphalt and coconut-shell ash (CA) as filler substitution material. Stone ash, cement and fly ash are commonly used as fillers in asphalt mixture, CA is expected to be one of the alternatives. This study aims to determine the characteristics of using LDPE into asphalt pen. 60/70 and the use of 50% CA filler on the characteristics of porous asphalt mixture and to find out indications of deficiencies and strengths in the asphalt mixture. On the initial bitumen content without using substitutes, the optimum bitumen content (OAC) was 5.76% with the variation used of LDPE 3%, 5% and 7% and 50% CA as filler. At OAC value 5.76% with 3% LDPE substitution meet all required parameter. With the value of Marshall Stability, VIM, Flow, AFD, and CL are 560.50kg, 18.61%, 4.3mm, 0.22% and 19.69% respectively.

Assessment on the Effect of Polyethylene Terephthalate and Low-density Polyethylene Plastic Waste as an Additive in Bituminous Paving Mixes

The continuous growth of the population also brings about an increase in traffic that traverse our roads. Due to this increase in the volume of traffic, pavements are subjected to more distress which can lead to its failure. Studies have been performed in order to address these issues on material properties. At present time, waste disposal has been a challenge for various industries. And of the wastes that are abundant in our surroundings, plastic is proving to be a major problem because it poses a major threat to the environment. As a possible solution to the growing problem of the disposal of plastic wastes as well as the constant pursuit to improve the properties of materials, recycling and incorporating plastic to construction materials has been explored in various studies. This study aims to assess the effects of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) as an additive to Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) on the stability, flow and bulk specific gravity of the paving mix. A parametric study was conducted in order to investigate the effect of additive concentration (4%, 7% and 10% by weight of asphalt binder), particle size (2.36 mm, 4.57 mm, and 9.5 mm) and mixing temperature (145° C, 160 ° C, and 175 ° C) on the stability, flow and bulk specific gravity of Plastic Waste Bitumen Binder (PWBB). Results show that adding PET and LDPE as additive increases the stability by 36.82%, improves the flow by 22% and it also increases the bulk specific gravity by 2.36% compared to a traditional bituminous mixture.

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

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.

Production of Fuels From High Density Polyethylene and Low Density Polyethylene Plastic Wastes via Pyrolysis Methods (Research Note)

The composition of fuel production per litre from polyethylene waste via pyrolysis was determined through thermal degradation. Compositions of fuels from high density polyethylene/low density polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE) pyrolysis were naphta, gasoline, and active carbon as residues. The pyrolysis process was carried out at 450-621°C without any catalyst and quantitative analysis method was conducted by using GC-MS. The product of 5 kg pyrolysis HDPE are 3.25 litres of naphta; 0.85 litre of gasoline; 0.325 litre of diesel fuel; and 18.06 grams of active carbon. Then the product of 5 kg pyrolysis LDPE are 0.5 litres of naphta; 2.9 litres of gasoline; 0,1 litre of diesel fuel; and 19 grams of active carbon.

Recycling waste plastics in developing countries: Use of low-density polyethylene water sachets to form plastic bonded sand blocks

In many developing countries low-density polyethylene (LDPE) sheets, bags and water sachets are a major waste problem because local collection and recycling systems do not exist. As a result, LDPE has no value and is dumped causing aesthetic, environmental and public health issues. A relatively simple technology has been developed in the Cameroon that produces LDPE-bonded sand blocks and pavers. The application of this technology is an example of a community-driven waste management initiative that has potential to impact on the global plastics waste crisis because it can transform waste LDPE and other readily available types of plastics into a valuable local resource. In this research, waste LDPE water sachets have been melted and mixed with sand to form LDPE-bonded sand blocks. The effect of sand particle size and sand to plastic ratio on density, the compressive strength and water adsorption are reported. Optimum samples have been further characterised for flexural strength and thermal conductivity. LDPE-bonded sand is a strong, tough material with compressive strengths up to ∼27 MPa when produced under optimum processing conditions. The density and compressive strength increase as the particle size of the sand decreases. The potential for using this simple technology and the materials it produces to transform LDPE plastic waste management in developing countries is discussed.

Experimental Investigation on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Concrete with Plastic Waste

Industrial activities in India are associated with significant amounts of non – biodegradable solid waste and plastic waste. Plastic waste being prominent which is rarely recycled with as much as 40% left in landfill. Plastic waste is causing environmental pollution which is a major problem in the present era as the usage of plastic is growing day by day and it takes hundreds of years for plastic material to degrade. The plastic if burnt releases many toxic gases, which are very dangerous for health. So, there is an urgent need to recycle plastic waste so as to reduce the environmental impact. One possible way to minimize the plastic waste is to use plastic waste in concrete industry. Environmental concerns arising from the over dredging of sand have led to restriction on its extraction across India, a suitable environmental friendly alternative to sand must be found to match the huge demand in the concrete construction industry. To tackle both the issues plastic waste can be used in the concrete as the replacement of fine aggregate in known proportions. In this research work the fine aggregate has been replaced by two types of plastic waste, one is Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and second one is Polypropylene (PP) in varying proportions to find out the optimum content of plastic waste. The optimum content of plastic waste was determined by conducting tests on mechanical and durability properties. The mechanical test results shown that LDPE and PP plastic waste can be used in concrete mixtures up to 5% replacement level with fine aggregate. For this replacement level the durability property – Sulphate attack resistance was determined, results demonstrate the mass loss of specimens and compressive strength.

Finding an Optimum Period of Oxidative Heat Treatment on SS 316 Catalyst for Nanocarbon Production from LDPE Plastic Waste

Plastic waste accumulation has become a major health and environmental problems in many parts of the world. Many efforts have been taken to reduce the accumulation, one of which is to convert it into a more useful products, such as CNT. CNT have been used for several products to enhance its properties. In this work, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste was used as a feed to produce CNT with the help of wired mesh stainless steel type 316 serving as the catalyst. The stainless steel was pretreated by applying heat under oxidative environment at 800 o C. The time of the pretreatment was varied from 0, 1, 5, 10, and 20 minutes to determine the relationship between the period of the pretreatment and the produced CNT quality. The collected nanocarbons were characterized by using XRD, SEM-EDX, TEM, and TGA. It was discovered that CNT was formed from the pretreated catalyst. The best result was obtained from the 10 minutes pretreatment shown by formation of buckling and continuous growth CNT having an evenly spread carbon with a mean CNT diameter of 7.70 nm, carbon percentage up to 93.3%, and oxidation temperature up to 530 o C.

Comparison of Material Properties of Lightweight Concrete with Recycled Polyethylene and Expanded Clay Aggregates

The article discusses the possibility of using high and low density polyethylene waste as aggregate in lightweight concrete with high strength cement mortar. Research is dedicated to experimental investigation and comparison of material properties of concrete made of polyethylene waste and expanded clay aggregates. Hydration kinetics studies of concrete specimens with different aggregates are performed using measurements of ultrasonic pulse velocity. For the experimental investigation high and low density polyethylene plastic waste aggregates with low water absorption and hydrophobic surface were used. It is stated that concrete with low water absorption plastic waste aggregates after 7 days of curing showed significant decrease in strength growth rate. The specimens had a density of 1950 – 2050 kg/m3 with a compressive strength of at least 40 MPa. Using pre-wetted expanded clay aggregate with similar mix composition, concrete density was 1900 kg/m3 with a compressive strength up to 70.2 MPa. Although having similar mechanical properties as the waste plastic aggregate, pre-wetted expanded clay allows better cement hydration process, resulting in lower water absorption of lightweight concrete.

Evaluation of the Suitability of Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Waste as Fine Aggregate in Concrete

This study evaluates an alternative solid waste management option for Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) waste commonly called “pure water sachet” as partial replacement of sand in concrete. Three mix ratios of 1:1:2, 1:1.5:3, 1:2:4 were used while the LDPE waste materials were obtained within University of Lagos campus, in Lagos State of Nigeria. The pulverized LDPE plastic waste, with compacted and uncompacted bulk densities of 362.9 kg/m 3 and 403.23 kg/m 3 respectively, could be classified as an ultra-lightweight fine aggregate in terms of bulk density. The bulk density of the plastic concretes produced using 1:1:2, 1:1.5:3 and 1:2:4 range between 2417.78-2548 kg/m 3 , 2348.63-2589.63 kg/m 3 , 2429.63-2424.6 kg/m 3 respectively with corresponding compressive strengths range of 22.64-34.26, 20.47-27.32 and 20.21-27.47 N/mm 2 and could be classified as normal-weight concrete which meets the minimum compressive strength for use as lightweight aggregate in plain concrete (7N/mm 2 ). The optimum and preferable mix is 1:1:2. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v33i4.1