Polymer Aggregate as a Sustainable Alternative for Concrete Production

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the feasibility of using concrete produced with partial replacement of aggregates with polymer waste. Theoretical Framework: The inadequate disposal of plastic waste is a serious environmental problem, which is why its final destination has been increasingly studied. These polymers have a complex and extensive chain that occupies a significant portion of urban solid waste. The construction industry has a high demand for concrete and inputs for its production, presenting an immense demand for materials every year, with the need to extract its raw materials from the environment, causing various environmental impacts. Method: A dosage was used with partial replacement of concrete aggregates by waste polymeric materials, specifically fine aggregate, in the proportion of 5% by polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and another 5% by polypropylene and polystyrene (PP+PS), and coarse aggregate by expanded polystyrene (EPS), also at a proportion of 5%. Strength, compression and traction, and water absorption tests were carried out and compared with conventional concrete. Thermal analysis was carried out using the thermogravimetry test (TGA). Results and Discussion: Strength, compression and traction, and water absorption tests indicated values ​​close to, in some cases higher than, those of conventional concrete. The thermal analysis demonstrated the thermal particularities of the experimental concrete and its inputs. The analysis of compressive and tensile strength demonstrated that the experimental concrete reached resistance values ​​close to those of conventional concrete and that the experimental samples did not present significant variations to conventional concrete, when compared to water absorption, specific mass and void indices. It was observed, through thermal analysis, that up to 420 °C the behavior of the experimental concrete was similar to that of conventional concrete. Research Implications: The determination of polymer-based concrete will help in the reuse of MSW, reducing the amount of plastic waste in the environment that is sent to landfills. Sustainability actions have occupied an increasing space in civil construction, especially in the production of concrete, contributing to the sustainable development of the environment. Originality/Value: This study presents a practical contribution to the literature by addressing the use of new components as aggregates for concrete production. Furthermore, the state of Alagoas, like many Brazilian states, presents a lack of studies on the use of plastic polymers in civil construction. This makes this study serve as a basis for future research, with the aim of contributing to the civil construction sector, in addition to providing an environmentally appropriate finality for these types of waste.