An investigation of the use of plastic waste in the manufacture of plastic bricks

Abstract

Abstract There is an increase in waste production among the Indian population. Some of these wastes pose a threat to the environment. There is also a significant amount of plastic waste in the country. Even though it is not biodegradable, it poisons trees and aquatic organisms. Thus, waste plastics were repurposed for use in the construction industry. Cement, fly ash, M sand, and plastic waste fibres are used to make plastic bricks. Polypropylene (PP) has a high deformation capacity and is a cost-effective material. Plastic waste is used in this study in the form of polypropylene fibres. To produce the bricks, different mix ratios were used in which PP waste was used in proportions of 5%, 10%, and 15% (represented as Mix1, Mix2, and Mix3), based on the total mixing of the polycarbonate substance volume of bricks. The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing plastic wastes to produce a cost-effective and lightweight plastic brick for use in construction. Compressive strength, water absorption, soundness, efflorescence, and hardness tests were carried out on the bricks. The compressive strength of mix 2 at a load of 426 kilograms is the highest of the three plastic bricks tested. A comparison of this proportion with other mix proportions and conventional brick effectiveness.