FABRICATION AND TESTING OF PLASTIC SAND BRICKS

Abstract

The exponential growth of non-recyclable plastic waste presents a problem for the environment, as the increasing non-recyclable plastics disposal or thermal recycling process frequently exacerbates the effects of climate change and ecological degradation. In this paper, we examine yet another environmentally friendly method, that of plastics for building-grade bricks. In a bid to meet or exceed traditional masonry standards, we synthesized high-density polyethylene (HDPE), quartz sand, and bitumen additives into plastic-sand bricks in a set of bricks. The process was waste to material transition from collection, to decontamination and shredding of PET and HDPE waste. The material was thermally processed at 180°C up to 220°C, mixed with river sand with a weight ratio of 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. These units differ from regular clay bricks in that they are cold pressed in oiled molds and cured at room temperature, bypassing the carbon-intensive kiln-firing part of the construction process. Empirical testing - compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence test etc - demonstrated the composite bricks to be structurally better than a clay type. Furthermore, it's worth noting that the plastic binder is non-porous providing negligible water absorption leading to excellent weather resistance. Results, for plastic-sand brick, indicate a combined twofold response: It is a strong and energy-saving construction material, and has useful plastic rubbish recycling utility.