MECHANICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE MODIFIED WITH TREATED HDPE PLASTICS AND POWDERED RUBBER WASTE
Abstract
ABSTRACT : Today tons of plastics and rubbers are floating across the globe as waste material, due to their low degradability, hence creating environmental and health problems. Utilizing recycled plastic and rubber waste in the production of concrete by partially replacing fine aggregate to form polymer concrete can be considered an alternative strategy for managing these waste materials. This study aims to present an investigation of modified High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Powdered Rubber (PR) with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in polymer concrete on its mechanical, durability and microstructural characteristics. The fine aggregate replacement is in the percentages of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 by mass. The primary objectives were to achieve an optimal level of HDPE and PR, to evaluate the mechanical and durability properties, to determine the microstructural characteristics using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hardened polymer concrete had low compressive strength and split tensile strength with an increase in replacement level achieving strength ranging from 9.4 to 19.9 N/mm² and 1.63 to 2.80 N/mm² respectively, the workability of the polymer concrete also reduced with the increase in replacement level, while the water absorption increased with the increase in replacement levels. The constituents were optimized for six components which includes water, cement, fine-aggregate, HDPE, PR and coarse aggregate to achieve the response variable using Response Surface Method (RSM), an optimal mix was obtained with a compressive strength of 19.9N/mm² with a mix proportion comprising water-cement ratio (0.45), cement (1.000), fine aggregate (0.86), HDPE (0.07), PR (0.07), and coarse aggregate (2.000). The SEM result showed the presence of microcracks and voids at higher replacement levels with a spongy-like C-S-H gel matrix and weak ITZ zone. The study concludes that the modified polymer concrete is suitable for non-structural use, such as pavements, sidewalks, and non-load-bearing walls. By promoting the use of recycled plastic and rubber, this research contributes to sustainable construction practices and environmental conservation.
KEYWORDS: Polymer Concrete; High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE); Powdered Rubber (PR); Response Surface Method (RSM); Optimization; Microstructural.
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