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Performance of recycled Bakelite plastic waste as eco-friendly aggregate in the concrete beams
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Researchers tested concrete mixtures containing recycled Bakelite plastic waste as a partial substitute for stone aggregate, finding that adding up to 10% Bakelite generally reduced strength but prevented sudden cracking during failure. While this offers a way to divert hard-to-recycle plastic from landfills — where it would otherwise slowly break down into microplastics — the strength trade-offs must be carefully managed in structural applications.
The use of plastic waste as a partial or complete replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete mixtures has been studied in recent years. However, the quality and quantity of coarse plastic waste particles have been a challenge. This study aims to investigate the mechanical performance of concrete with Bakelite plastic waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate. Six different concrete mixtures with various Bakelite dosages, ranging from 0 % to 10 %, were tested. The results indicate that the addition of Bakelite plastic alters the behaviour of the concrete and reduces compressive and flexural strengths at lower dosages. The inclusion of Bakelite waste in concrete mixtures generally leads to a decrease in compressive and split tensile strength, with the exception of the mixture containing 6 % Bakelite, which showed increased strength. Although there is a slight reduction in flexural strength, Bakelite waste prevents sudden specimen breakage and maintains specimen integrity. The ultimate load capacity of reinforced concrete beams with Bakelite waste is generally lower compared to the control beam, except for the 8 % waste Bakelite beam which demonstrated a similar ultimate load capacity of 60 kN. Although managing Bakelite waste can be difficult because it can lead to the creation of microplastics in landfills over time, utilizing Bakelite waste in concrete can be a sustainable method of waste management. The innovative use of Bakelite waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete offers a sustainable solution to the problem of waste management and addresses the environmental concerns related to the disposal of non-biodegradable plastics. This research provides a practical solution for developing eco-friendly and cost-effective construction materials while promoting sustainable waste management practices.
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Researchers found that mixing small amounts of recycled plastic waste into concrete (replacing sand or gravel) can create lighter, still-usable building material, best suited for things like sidewalks and paving blocks rather than load-bearing structures. This matters because it offers a practical way to reuse plastic waste instead of sending it to landfills or letting it break down into microplastics that pollute soil, water, and eventually our food and bodies. However, this is a construction materials study, not a health study, so it doesn't directly test whether the concrete itself sheds microplastics over time.
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