Physicomechanical properties of clay reinforced plastic waste concrete aggregates

Mohammad Sufian, Mohammad Ismail Anuar (2022) Physicomechanical properties of clay reinforced plastic waste concrete aggregates. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Natural aggregate depletion was becoming a global problem despite increased structural construction demands. Besides, accumulating plastic waste is a big challenge people face worldwide. Transforming waste plastics into construction aggregates appeared to be a sensible solution to both problems. However, the poor interaction of plastic aggregates with organic cement reduced concrete strength and became a major worry to be addressed. This issue could be solved by adding natural materials such as clay in the plastic aggregate formulation. In this study, recycled PP incorporating 1 pph of kaolin clay was compounded through a water-assisted melt compounding using an internal mixer to produce the plastic composite aggregates (PCA). The PCA, re-compounded recycled PP (PWA), and virgin PP pellets were compressions moulded using a hot press machine at a temperature and pressed force of 180°C and 140kgf/cm2 for 30 minutes. The plastics were tested for physical and mechanical properties per standards ASTM D792, ASTM D1895, ASTM D2240 and ASTM D638. The properties were supported with morphological analysis through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), compositional analysis through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and structural analysis through X-ray diffractometry (XRD). This study had proven that PCA with 1 pph of kaolin clay had enhanced physical (density) and mechanical (hardness, tensile strength, tensile modulus) properties. PCA's tensile strength and modulus increased to 23.61MPa and 224.39MPa with an increment of 1.2 and 8 % compared to PWA. The values were not far different from those gathered by the PP virgin samples. This result proved that 1pph of kaolin clay reinforced PP matrix by the waterassisted process could enhance the composite's mechanical and physical properties. The findings could serve as an alternative to solve both issues of natural aggregate depletion and plastic pollution. It will benefit both construction and plastic manufacturers to adopt green materials and greener waste management in the industries.

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