Analyzing the Strength, Durability and Microstructural Characteristics of Econcrete Incorporating Waste Printed Circuit Boards (WPCBs) as Coarse Aggregate

Addressing the critical issue of resource depletion, this research investigates the potential of waste printed circuit boards from electronic waste as a sustainable alternative for coarse aggregate in concrete production. Through a controlled experiment, varying proportions of WPCBs (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were substituted for traditional aggregates. The study comprehensively evaluates the key performance indicators of the resulting e-concrete microstructure, mechanical strength, and self-compacting behaviour, across different curing periods (7, 14, and 28 days). Additionally, sulfate and chloride resistance were assessed at 56 days to study the e-concrete durability. To optimize the rheological and mechanical properties, the research introduces two supplementary materials B233 (1.5% of cement weight) and silica fume (11% of binder weight). The concrete mix adheres to the M30 grade specifications outlined by Indian standards, with a water-cement ratio of 0.375. The findings demonstrate that incorporating silica fume significantly enhances the mechanical strength of e-concrete while compromising its flow characteristics. Notably, replacing 5% of traditional coarse aggregate with recycled WPCBs yields comparable strength and performance to conventional concrete, highlighting the potential of WPCBs as a viable alternative. This study paves the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to concrete production, effectively utilizing e-waste while minimizing reliance on depleting natural resources.