Pretty plastic waste composite tiles for wall cladding by design for sustainability (D4S) approach

Zolkepli, Muhammad Danial (2023) Pretty plastic waste composite tiles for wall cladding by design for sustainability (D4S) approach. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Detachable plastic tiles made from domestic waste have the potential to serve as an innovative, pretty and sustainable wall cladding material. However, ensuring their stability and durability under the Malaysian climate requires thorough testing and evaluation, especially in hot weather. The primary objective is to propose conceptual models and identify suitable types of plastic for wall tiles. This is achieved through a comprehensive literature survey, SolidWorks software, and Granta Edupack. Three conceptual models were proposed using SolidWorks, with virgin and recycled plastics, namely, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), recycled HDPE (rHDPE) and recycled PVC (rPVC) as materials due to their beneficial properties and cost-effectiveness. The second objective involves the simulation and analysis of the proposed models under varying temperatures and types of plastics, using ANSYS software. The analysis showed that virgin PVC is more durable and stronger than recycled PVC, with a higher deformation rate, lower equivalent stress rate, and higher safety factor with temperature changes. The third objective evaluates the design and types of plastic materials based on Design for Sustainability (DS) criteria using Sustainability Metrics. Recycled High-Density Polyethylene was more sustainable than virgin HDPE, virgin PVC, and rPVC. The diamond and hexagon designs of rHDPE were also found to be more sustainable, scoring 9.0625 compared to rPVC at 5.6875, highlighting the environmental benefits of using recycled materials and thoughtful design patterns. The final objective is to select the best design and type of plastic based on the simulated properties and D4S criteria. Diamond tiles made from recycled PVC were chosen as the best design, considering both simulation results and sustainability scores. The research provides valuable insights into the potential of plastic as a material for wall tiles, contributing to the broader goal of promoting sustainable materials in construction. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in guiding the design and selection process for sustainable materials. This research has significant implications for the construction industry, offering a viable alternative to traditional materials and paving the way for more sustainable practices.

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