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Incorporation of Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate)/Polyethylene Residue Powder in Obtaining Sealing Concrete Blocks
Summary
This study evaluated powdered PET and polyethylene residues from food packaging manufacturing as partial sand replacements in concrete masonry blocks, finding that a 10% substitution level provided optimal compressive strength while meeting Brazilian standards for non-structural applications.
Polymer residues can be reused in civil construction by partially replacing mineral aggregates in concrete, thereby reducing the extraction of natural resources. This study aimed to evaluate the use of powdered poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polyethylene (PE) residues, accumulated in shaving-mill filters during the extrusion of multilayer films used in food packaging, in the production of sealing masonry blocks. The PET/PE residues were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cylindrical specimens were produced in which part of the sand, by volume, was replaced with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% polymer residue. The cylindrical specimens were evaluated for specific mass, water absorption and axial and diametral compressive strengths. The 10% content provided the highest compressive strength. This formulation was selected for the manufacture of concrete blocks, which were evaluated and compared with the specifications of ABNT NBR 6136:2014. The concrete blocks showed potential for applications without structural function and were classified as Class C. The results, in line with previous investigations on the incorporation of plastic waste in concrete, underscore the promising application potential of this strategy.