PLASTIC WASTE AS CEMENT REPLACEMENT IN BRICK

Abstract

A brick is a type of block used to build walls, pavements and other elements in masonry construction. The main materials in brick making are cement and sand. Both of the material need to mix with suitable ratio and according to specifications. Problem of cement may pollute our environment especially air due its production emits dust, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide. Numerous researchers have considered the usage of waste materials to create bricks. The use of plastic-based products is increasing in Malaysia. Plastic is a major source of contributing to the environment. The use of the plastic also can pose a health hazard and the chemical can absorb to our body. Hence, the way to reduce plastic waste based on the project will produce bricks from plastic as cement replacement in brick and investigate the possibility of recycling plastic waste in bricks. Research is being carried out on the utilization of waste products in bricks as a replacement for natural cement. Therefore, the material of these HDPE-cement brick are crushed HDPE plastic, sand, cement, and water. 24 types of bricks specimens with different percentages of material were prepared. Four different replacement levels namely 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% are selected and studied with respect to the replacement method. The fresh and hardened properties of new brick are studied and compared with brick made using conventional materials. Compressive strength, water absorption and density test were carried out by using a electronic compress machine and weighing scale. Some calculations regarding water absorption and density tests. As the result, the 5% replacement of HDPE-cement brick got the highest reading for compressive strength test and the plastics-cement bond in the brick are better than others percentage. The 0% replacement of HDPEcement brick has achieved the optimum percentage in range water absorption test. Furthermore, the project show that the HDPE-cement brick can be eco-friendly than original brick because its avoid plastic waste in environment. Future studies are recommended to have a good equipment and tools to produce brick for the more accurate results and get a good brick shape.