We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
On the Cementitious Mixtures Reinforced with Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate
Summary
Researchers investigated the reuse of waste polyethylene terephthalate plastic as aggregate material in cement mortars and concretes. They found that incorporating PET waste into cementitious mixtures can be a viable strategy for recycling plastic while also reducing CO2 emissions from traditional aggregate mining. The study suggests that closing the life cycle of PET through construction materials could help address both plastic pollution and the environmental footprint of the building industry.
The last decade was dominated by a serious problem that now affects all the planet's natural ecosystems: the increasing growth of plastics and microplastics that are difficult to dispose of. One strategy to mitigate this problem is to close the life cycle of one of them-polyethylene terephthalate (PET)-by reusing it within the most common building materials, such as mortars and concretes. The reuse of PET waste as aggregates also allows us to limit the CO2 emissions released during the production of natural aggregates. This paper analyzes the outcomes of many studies carried out on the characteristics of cementitious mixtures reinforced with waste PET material. Many researchers have demonstrated how PET used as reinforcement of mortars and concretes can produce an increase in the mechanical strengths of the corresponding cementitious mixtures without PET. The tensile strength of this resin is higher than that of concrete; so, by combining the two materials it is possible to obtain a mixture with an overall higher tensile strength, resulting in increased flexural strength and reduced cracking. Using an effective size of PET fibers, it is possible to achieve an increase in the ductility and toughness of the cementitious mixture. Several studies reveal that PET reinforcement reduces the density with a consequent decrease in weight and structural loads, while the workability increases using spherical and smoother PET aggregates.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
The Impact of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate as Aggregate Replacement on Mechanical and Ecotoxicological Properties of Mortar
Researchers tested mortar made with recycled PET plastic replacing some of the natural aggregate and found that it maintained comparable compressive strength while passing ecotoxicity tests with plants. The study suggests that incorporating recycled plastic waste into construction materials could be a viable way to reduce plastic in landfills without creating significant environmental harm.
Potential use of PET and PP as partial replacement of sand in structural concrete
Researchers tested whether PET and polypropylene plastic waste could partially replace sand in structural concrete, evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting material. Using post-consumer plastic in construction is one strategy for diverting plastic from the waste stream and preventing it from breaking down into environmental microplastics.
Utilization of plastic waste as replacement of natural aggregates in sustainable concrete: effects on mechanical and durability properties
Researchers tested concrete made with recycled polyethylene and PET plastic aggregates substituted for natural sand and gravel, finding that while plastic additions reduced compressive strength and increased water permeability, they improved impact resistance and chloride resistance, with PET concrete showing no microplastic leaching.
Utilization of Plastic Waste in Concrete Pavement
Researchers investigated the use of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste as an aggregate in concrete pavement mix designs, finding that incorporation of HDPE improved mechanical performance and durability while reducing landfill waste and energy consumption in the concrete sector.
Environmental and Cost Advantages of Using Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibre Reinforced Concrete with Fly Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement
This study examined the environmental and cost benefits of using recycled PET plastic bottles as fiber reinforcement in concrete, combined with fly ash as a partial cement replacement. Repurposing plastic waste in construction materials could help reduce the volume of plastic entering the environment as microplastics.