Strength Properties and Sustainability of Recycled Plastic Tiles: Flammability, Water Absorption, and Chemical Tolerance

Abstract

The cost of construction materials, as well as the natural resources needed to manufacture the materials in an enabling climate, is affecting the world's construction industry, which is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Plastic wastes are a significant environmental concern due to their widespread use, non-biodegradability, and contamination from incineration and landfill, recycling these wastes into tiles would be a significant benefit. This investigation's goal is to study the mechanical qualities of tiles made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) wastes, fly ash, and river sand aggregates. PET wastes were added to other aggregates in various percentages of 100 percent, 90 percent, 70 percent, 50 percent, and 30 percent by weight. The assessment of physical and mechanical properties reveals that, in terms of material density, weight, and flammability resistance, the tiles containing 30% plastic waste outperforms the other proportion of waste. According to the results, this composite tile has a very low percent porosity value (2.9 - 0.11 percent) as compared to cement or ceramic tiles. In addition, the composite tile (PT1) with 30% PET and 35% fly ash and sand demonstrated decreased flammability with a linear burning rate of 7.68 mm/min and enhanced compressive strength of 11.07 N/ mm2. There was no significant difference in weight after soaked in different acid and base solutions for seven days. Finally, as tile products, PET plastic tiles have good strength, chemical tolerance, low flammability, low water absorption, and are environmentally friendly. This possibility would not only reduce the cost of construction materials, but it would also serve as a waste diversion, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste disposal.