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Evaluation of Polymer Interlocking Paver Blocks Made of Waste Plastic Polyethylene Terephthalate and Sand Modified with Nano-Sized Palm Kernel Shells
Summary
Scientists found a clever way to turn two waste products—plastic bottles and palm kernel shells (a nut-processing byproduct)—into durable paving blocks for sidewalks and driveways. This matters because it keeps plastic waste out of landfills and oceans, where it would otherwise break down into microplastics that can end up in our water, food, and eventually our bodies. While this study focused on construction quality rather than direct health testing, finding practical uses for waste plastic is a promising step toward reducing our overall exposure to plastic pollution.
Demand for sustainable construction materials has driven research into utilizing waste in innovative ways. This paper focused on incorporating Nano-sized palm kernel shell with recycled waste plastic and sand to produce a Polymer Interlocking Pavement block using a mixed ratio of 1: 2 respectively. The chemical composition of Nano-sized palm kernel shell was examined with X-ray fluorescence Analysis. Effects of Nano-sized palm kernel shell at various percentages, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% as filler in the composite, were determined by performing compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, and abrasive resistance tests. The micro-structural analysis was done with a Scanning Electron Microscope. The X-ray fluorescence Analysis revealed Iron (III) Oxide and Silicon Oxide as dominant oxides. The addition of Nano-sized palm kernel shell in Polymer Interlocking Pavement block increased the compressive strength by 14.26%, 24.94%, and 75.67% for 7, 21, and 28 days, respectively, at 5% replacement. Reduction in flexural strength, water absorption, and abrasion index with uniform distribution of particles was observed. Conclusively, 5% Nano-sized palm kernel shell gave better resistance to wear of the modified sample, and is considered a reasonable alternative material for Polymer Interlocking Pavement block production to promote sustainable construction practices