Applications and performance of urban waste plastic-modified concrete

To find a solution regarding the effect of urban waste plastics on natural resource consumption during concrete preparation, the current research focuses on the preparation, properties, and application of concrete mixed with urban waste plastics. This study analyses the effects of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride on the workability, strength, and durability of the concrete. Microstructural studies analyse the resulting modifications, and this paper also discusses the application of the material in a road base course. The results show that waste plastic particles with a content of 10% and a particle size of 0.3–0.6 mm effectively improve concrete flowability, with compressive strength increasing by 15.28%. The modified concrete also exhibits improved performance under repeated freezing and thawing as well as exposure to carbonation, achieving a freeze–thaw durability rating of F250 and showing a carbonation depth increase of 0.3 mm. Microscopic analysis and practical application results indicate that, compared with ordinary concrete, the modified plastic particles significantly enhance the bonding strength at the interface between the plastic particles and the cement matrix.