Feasibility and Durability of Interlocks (Paving stones) from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Wastes

Managing plastics waste is a global challenge that challenges the health of our ecosystem due to their high rate of production and non-biodegradability. However, it is important to handle PWs properly to curtail the environmental emissions associated with their incineration and dumping into landfills. The world's building industry is influenced by looking at the expense of construction materials and the required raw materials to manufacture them with the supporting climate that is rising at an unprecedented pace. The recycling of plastic waste into new useful building construction products will be a great advantage In this analysis, the shredded PET waste gathered from the recycling center was heated to 230 0C and used as a binder for the complete substitution of cement with a river sand aggregate for the manufacture of polymer interlocking / paving stones. The physical characteristics and mechanical performance of the aggregate materials and PET polymer concrete (including their distribution of particle size, silt , clay and dust content, relative stiffness, water absorption, porosity, flexural and compressive strength) were tested on various PET waste: 100%, 90%, 70%, 50% and 30% sand mixing percentages. The results showed that the produced interlocks from 30% PET and 70% river sand (3:7) achieved higher density, flexural, and compressive strength than the other combination percentages. The least strength and porosity were exhibited by the polymer concrete produced with 100 % PET. The compressive strength of the PET polymer concrete produced with 30 % PET waste composition was higher than that of cement concrete at 28 days curing. Based on the test results, PET polymer concrete at 30 % PET replacement can be used for interlocking tiles / paving stones due to its strength, low water absorption, and eco-friendliness, especially in water-logged areas. This prospect of interlocking tile production using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste and sand would not only minimise the cost of building production, but will only act as a waste diversion to mitigate environmental emissions caused by plastic waste disposal.