Performance Evaluation of Powdered Expanded Polyethylene Enhanced Sandcrete Blocks

The escalating global plastic pollution crisis has prompted the urgent need for sustainable waste management solutions, particularly for non-biodegradable plastics like expanded polyethylene (EPE). This study pioneers the application of powdered expanded polyethylene as an innovative additive in conventional sandcrete block formulations, addressing both environmental concerns and construction material enhancements. The research investigates the influence of varying EPE concentrations (ranging from 0.5% to 2.5%) on sandcrete block properties. Results reveal that the inclusion of 2.5% powdered EPE significantly reduces water absorption, reaching 8.765% after 24 hours, and enhances compressive strength, peaking at 4.15 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2after 56 days, indicating its potential to mitigate spalling and enhance structural durability. Chemical analysis verifies the non-pozzolanic nature of powdered EPE. Concurrently, bulk density decreases with EPE content, hitting 1658 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3 for 2.5% EPE after 56 days, highlighting its potential for construction, albeit with reduced density. Compressive strength improves with higher EPE percentages, but this gain is accompanied by reduced density. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis affirms these findings by revealing improved material bonding and reduced porosity with higher EPE content. This research marks a novel and sustainable approach to plastic waste management and has the potential to revolutionize sandcrete block production with implications for construction and environmental sustainability.