Utilization of PET Plastic Waste as Mixture in Concrete

Abstract

Plastic is a versatile and durable industrial material that can be molded into various shapes, making it a suitable replacement for natural materials in many applications. Despite its benefits, improper management of plastic waste has led to significant environmental challenges. Plastics take over a century to decompose, and incomplete decomposition results in microplastics, which harm ecosystems and living organisms. Among the many disposal methods, reusing and recycling plastics are the most sustainable options. Recycling not only reduces environmental impact but also adds economic value by converting waste into useful products such as building materials. This need for effective recycling has become especially urgent, as the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a drastic increase in plastic usage over 300% due to remote work and higher reliance on plastic products. 

This research focuses on utilizing PET plastic waste as a partial substitute for sand in concrete, aiming to combine waste management with sustainable construction. The study explores the replacement of sand with PET plastic in proportions of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%, followed by mortar and concrete compressive strength tests to determine the optimal mix. Results reveal that replacing 10% of sand with PET plastic yields the best balance between sustainability and structural performance, causing only an 8.7% reduction in mortar strength and a 10.06% reduction in concrete strength. These findings demonstrate that PET plastic waste can effectively be repurposed as a building material, offering a practical solution to mitigate plastic pollution while supporting eco-friendly construction practices.