Development of Composite Floor Tiles Through the Blending of Waste Sachets, PET Bottles and Sand Aggregates

• Author(s): C.N. Nwosu ; V.O. Nwankwo ; C. Okechukwu ; N.E. Nwankwo
• Paper ID: 1703165
• Page: 412-420
• Published Date: 23-02-2022
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 5 Issue 7 January-2022

Abstract

Non-biodegradable plastics are currently in mass production every day with a handful of them having very little or no recycling value, A need then arises to give plastic materials a 'second life' so they can be relived as other long term products while also improving their compositions, altering their structures and enhancing their properties. The research elucidates the production of interlock tiles from Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) because they constitute the majority of plastic waste among others. The application of this recycling method solves the global plastics waste crisis because it can transform waste LDPE and PET into a valuable local resource. In this research, waste sachets (LDPE) and PET bottles were melted and mixed with sand to form samples of interlock tiles. Plastic materials were collected from drainages, streets, dumpsites, hostels, hotels and bars, in Anambra State, which were sorted before the Melting process began, during which sand was added as aggregate and after the incorporation of the sand the melt was poured into a dimensioned metal mould. The most appropriate mix ratios of plastic to sand, load-bearing capacity, and water adsorption tests are reported. The result shows that PET has higher mechanical properties than LDPE and LDPE has some elastic properties, It can also be noted that the blend ratio of LDPE: PET is (25%:75%) and can withstand maximum load, as compared to samples of other ratios. Generally, the composite tiles recorded test values comparable to that of the conventional tiles, resulting to durable, stronger, and corrosion resistant tiles. Hence, this study has shown that composite floor tiles are a better alternative to conventional cement tiles.

Keywords

polymer recycling, plastic pollution, low-density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, mix ratios, compression test.

Citations

IRE Journals:
C.N. Nwosu , V.O. Nwankwo , C. Okechukwu , N.E. Nwankwo "Development of Composite Floor Tiles Through the Blending of Waste Sachets, PET Bottles and Sand Aggregates" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 5 Issue 7 2022 Page 412-420

IEEE:
C.N. Nwosu , V.O. Nwankwo , C. Okechukwu , N.E. Nwankwo "Development of Composite Floor Tiles Through the Blending of Waste Sachets, PET Bottles and Sand Aggregates" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 5(7)