Enhancing Concrete Strength with Recycled Disposable Face Mask Fibers: A Novel Approach to Sustainable Construction

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated environmental challenges due to the widespread use of disposable face masks (DFMs), leading to significant microplastic pollution as millions of masks are discarded daily. This study introduces a novel recycling method that converts DFMs into fibers, subsequently added to concrete to enhance its structural properties. The process involves preliminary five-day sunlight disinfection of DFMs to ensure they are free from COVID-19. We examined the effects of these recycled face mask fibers (RFMFs) on the strength of concrete through tests on 270 samples, incorporating varying volume contents (0%, 0.15%, 0.30%, and 0.45%) and lengths (20 mm, 30 mm, and 40 mm) of RFMFs, each 5 mm in width. The specimens underwent curing for different durations (3, 7, and 28 days). The results indicated significant improvements in concrete strength with RFMF additions, particularly after three days of curing. An optimal increase of 17.47% in compressive strength was observed at a 0.15% volume content and 20 mm length of RFMF. Furthermore, an increase of 18.52% in splitting tensile strength was noted at a 0.15% volume content and 40 mm length of RFMF, while a 36.62% enhancement in flexural strength was achieved with a 0.45% volume content and 30 mm length. This research highlights an innovative approach to strengthen concrete early on, providing a practical solution to mitigate environmental impact and effectively managing waste from disposable face masks.