Sand-Filler Structural Material with Low Content of Polyethylene Binder

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel compaction method to create environmentally friendly structural materials using low polyethylene binder content, achieving high strength and promoting plastic waste recycling.

Contribution

It introduces a new compaction technology for waste plastic-based structural materials with minimal polyethylene binder, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.

Findings

Flexural strength exceeds that of steel-reinforced concrete at 70-100 MPa pressure

Only ~10 wt% polyethylene binder is needed for high-strength material

Potential to recycle waste plastics and reduce cement production

Abstract

Currently, most of the waste plastics cannot be recycled, causing serious environmental concerns. In this research, we investigated a compaction formation technology to fabricate structural materials with thermoplastic binders. When the compaction pressure was 70~100 MPa, with only ~10 wt% polyethylene binder, the flexural strength was greater than that of typical steel-reinforced concrete, suitable to many construction applications. Because construction materials are tolerant to impurities, our work may provide a promising opportunity to recycle waste plastics and to reduce the portland cement production.