Mechanical Properties and Durability of Polymer Tiles from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Wastes and Fly ash

Abstract

Managing plastic waste is a global challenge that challenges the health of our ecosystem due to its 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. This research investigates the possibility of producing tiles from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste bottles and fly ash. The mechanical characteristics and chemical tolerance of polymer tiles manufactured are reported in this study. PET waste was used in varying proportions (from 30% to 100%) by sand weight. Evaluation of the material’s physical and mechanical qualities revealed that polymer tiles produced with 30% PET content performed better in terms of material density and strength compared to the samples with higher PET content. The highest compressive strength (6.88 MPa). According to the test findings, the produced PET tiles possess lower water absorption efficiency when compared to pure cement and ceramic tiles (the lowest water absorption value of 0.11 % and 0.1% was found in composite tiles made with 90% and 100% PET waste). The results from this study indicate that PET waste bottles can be used to produce long-lasting, good strength, and extremely low water absorption eco-friendly tiles for both residential and commercial applications. This prospect of tile production using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste and fly ash would not only minimize the cost of building products but will also act as a waste diversion to mitigate environmental emissions caused by plastic waste disposal.