Concrete with rejected recyclable plastic waste at high temperatures

Abstract

This paper investigates the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of concrete produced with rejected recyclable plastic waste, the potential to mitigate heat-induced concrete spalling, and the effects of high temperature on the residual properties of concrete. Concrete compressive and tensile strength, Young's modulus, crack width, mass loss, absorption by capillarity, chemical composition, and the evidence of heat-induced concrete spalling have been monitored in concrete samples produced with plastic waste particles and compared to that of concrete produced with commercial polypropylene fibers, after exposure to 200^oC, 400^oC, and 600^oC for 2 hours. The use of 0.125% by volume of polypropylene fibers and plastic waste particles have proved to improve the heat-induced concrete spalling performance, contributing to the release of internal pressure after melting by different mechanisms. Positive effects in the concrete properties evidence the technical potential of incorporating rejected recyclable plastic waste particles in the construction chain.