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

Abstract An integrated analysis is performed for the present study, including an evaluation of the mechanical and durability properties of plastic brick, a cost-effectiveness analysis, and an eco-benefit analysis of recycling plastic waste into bricks. To promote sustainable construction practices, pp waste is used in plastic brick to replace waste material often discarded in landfills and burned. This study involved the preparation of 36 (230 mm × 110 mm × 90 mm) bricks. Modified fly ash containing 40, and 45% of the cement weight was incorporated into the samples. 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 fibers 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 fibers. 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 kg is the highest of the three plastic bricks tested. A comparison of this proportion with other mix proportions and conventional brick effectiveness.