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Development of a lightweight, eco-friendly self-compacting mortar based on polypropylene and limestone filler waste: Investigation of thermophysical and acoustic properties
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Researchers found a way to turn plastic waste into building material by mixing recycled plastic bits into concrete-like mortar, making it lighter and better at blocking heat and noise. This matters because it reuses plastic that would otherwise pile up in landfills, though the trade-off is a weaker, less sturdy material—so it's better suited for insulation than load-bearing walls. While this isn't a human health study, using waste plastic in solid, bonded building materials (rather than letting it break down into microplastics in nature) could be a smarter way to keep plastic out of our environment—and eventually, off our plates and out of our lungs.
The construction sector faces major environmental challenges due to the increasing accumulation of plastic waste and limestone by-products. This study investigates the use of sand derived from polypropylene waste (PPSW) as a replacement for natural sand (0, 20, 40, 60 and 100) % by volume, combined with limestone waste fines added as a filler, in self-compacting mortar (SCM). The objective of this study is to develop eco-friendly self-compacting mortars with enhanced thermophysical and acoustic properties, while aiming to design a lightweight mortar. The evaluation included physico-mechanical tests (density, strength, UPV, dynamic modulus), thermophysical properties (conductivity, diffusivity, heat capacity, thermal resistance), acoustic attenuation and SEM. Incorporating PPSW decreases mortar density by 27%, compressive strength by 68%, dynamic modulus by 68%, and UPV by 33%. However, it significantly enhances thermal performance, reducing thermal conductivity by 52%, and also improves acoustic behavior. SEM images reveal enhanced interfacial adhesion between the cementitious matrix and the MSPP 100 particles, indicating that the PPSW particles exhibit adequate interfacial bonding with the cementitious matrix. This research significantly contributes to the valorization of cement-based waste for the development of lightweight, eco-friendly self-compacting mortars, supporting a circular economy in the construction sector.
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From Waste to Wall: Exploring the Architectural Potential of Recycled Plastic Bricks in Affordable Housing Design
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This review of existing studies finds that bricks made from recycled plastic waste (like sachets and bags) mixed with sand can be strong enough for walls and pathways in single-story homes, while also being lighter, more moisture-resistant, and better at keeping indoor temperatures comfortable than traditional concrete blocks. This matters because it offers a two-in-one solution, cheaper housing materials and less plastic pollution clogging streets and waterways, though the paper doesn't address whether these bricks might shed microplastics over time, so more direct safety testing would be useful before widespread home use.
Influence of plastic waste addition on mechanical properties of cement mortars: An experimental study
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Researchers found that mixing small amounts of ground-up PVC plastic waste (5-10%) into cement mortar actually made it stronger and lighter, offering a promising way to reuse plastic trash in construction instead of sending it to landfills. This matters for human health indirectly: finding practical uses for plastic waste in solid, bound materials like concrete could help reduce the amount of plastic that breaks down into microplastics in our environment, water, and food supply.
Utilization of Plastic Waste and Construction Demolition Waste in Sustainable Brick and Tile Manufacturing
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Researchers turned plastic trash and construction rubble into bricks and tiles, finding they're strong, lightweight, and durable enough for building use. This matters because it offers a practical way to keep plastic waste out of landfills and nature—where it would otherwise break down into microplastics that contaminate soil, water, and eventually our food and bodies—while also cutting down on mining raw materials for construction.
Stabilization of compressed earth blocks using recycled thermoplastics: experimental study of key parameters
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Scientists found a way to make sturdy, energy-efficient building bricks by mixing dirt, sand, and shredded recycled plastic waste, no cement needed, which typically requires a lot of energy and water to produce. This matters because it could give plastic trash a useful second life and offer a greener alternative for construction, though the researchers didn't measure whether these bricks might shed microplastics over time or how they'd hold up long-term.
Utilization Of Plastic Waste As Construction Material
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Researchers demonstrate that waste plastics such as polypropylene can be melted and repurposed as construction blocks, producing materials with sufficient compressive strength, heat resistance, and water resistance to serve as viable sustainable building materials.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.