Enhancing the Properties of Concrete with the Incorporation of Recycled Polypropylene Plastic

This study explores the integration of recycled polypropylene (PP) plastic (PL) pellets into concrete mixtures, to evaluate their impact on compressive strength, workability, and weight reduction. Concrete samples were prepared by replacing conventional aggregates with PL pellets at varying percentages (1%, 3%, and 5%) by weight. The primary objective was to determine the optimal PL content that enhanced the properties of concrete. The experimental results demonstrated that incorporating 3% PP-PL pellets led to an 11.3% increase in compressive strength compared with the reference mix (0% PL). Furthermore, the 3% PL mix maintained a slump value comparable to that of the reference mix, indicating that this level of PL inclusion did not negatively affect workability. However, increasing the PL content beyond 3% resulted in a significant reduction in workability, suggesting that excessive PL may limit practical applications. The inclusion of PL pellets also contributed to a decrease in the overall weight of the concrete, showcasing the potential for producing lightweight, high-performance concrete. These findings highlight the feasibility of utilizing recycled PL in concrete production as a sustainable strategy to enhance material properties while addressing the growing issue of PL waste. This study identified 3% PL as the optimal dosage for achieving the best balance between strength, workability, and weight reduction. This research contributes to the development of more sustainable construction materials while also offering insights into the role of recycled PL in improving concrete performance. Future research could focus on evaluating the long-term durability, microstructural behavior, and environmental impact of PL-modified concrete to better understand its potential for broader application in eco-friendly infrastructure, ensuring it meets the demands of sustainable and cost-effective construction practices. In addition, this study’s findings pave the way for future investigations into optimizing other types of recycled PL for use in concrete.