Effect of Partial Replacement of Fine Aggregate by Polyethylene Terephthalate on the Characteristics of Mortar

In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) granules were used as a partial replacement for sand in mortar applications as a sustainable alternative material after recycling plastic waste to compensate for the expected shortage of natural aggregates in the near future. The influence of using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes as a partial replacement of natural sand with different percentages (0%, 5%, 7.5% and 15%) on the mechanical and physical properties of mortar was investigated. Cubic and cylindrical specimens were used in the experimental work, the dimensions of cubes were 50x50x50mm, 150x150x150mm and the dimensions of cylindrical specimens were 75x75mm. The experimental results presented that using PET as a partial replacement of natural sand with different percentages changed the physical and mechanical properties of mortar. The results showed that with increasing substitution percentage, the density of mortar and compressive strength decreased at 28 days. Additionally, the water absorption capacity and the water penetration depth were affected by the PET sand substitution percentage. The results of this study determined the optimum substitution percentage of sand with polyethylene terephthalate granules is 7.5%.