What is it about?
The environmental concern of plastic waste (PW) generation has escalated to an alarming level due to the versatility and high demand in various applications. In order to search for an effective way to utilise PW, reusing them for the production of construction material appears as an environmentally-friendly approach. This is also because conventional construction materials often consume high energy during production has caused many environmental impacts. This review paper summarises the previous studies on reusing various PW as raw material and aggregate for construction and its properties with special attention to bricks and paving blocks. This paper begins by illustrating on the properties of plastics and the impacts of PW to the environment. Followed by discussion on reusing PW and its impacts on the overall properties of construction material. This review found that limited studies had been conducted on the usage of PW in the production of the paving block. Besides, most of the studies focused predominantly on compressive strength and water absorption as the main parameters to evaluate the characteristics of bricks and paving blocks. It is concluded that the use of PW in construction material could possibly serve as a sustainable source for construction material in the future.
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Why is it important?
Addresses a global crisis – Tackles the urgent issue of escalating plastic waste generation and its environmental impact. Highlights sustainable solutions – Reviews the potential of reusing plastic waste as eco-friendly construction materials. Fills research gaps – Points out the limited studies on plastic waste in paving block production. Practical relevance – Provides insights into mechanical properties like compressive strength and water absorption, crucial for real-world applications. Guides future innovation – Offers direction for developing sustainable, low-energy alternatives to conventional construction materials.
Perspectives
See waste as a resource – Shows how plastic waste can be transformed into sustainable construction materials. Bridge research and real-world needs – Offers insights for tackling both environmental pollution and material shortages. Identify gaps for innovation – Highlights areas where further research, especially on paving blocks, is urgently needed. Encourage sustainable practices – Inspires engineers, researchers, and policymakers to adopt low-energy, eco-friendly construction solutions.
Associate Professor Dr Chuck Chuan Ng
Xiamen University Malaysia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Reusing plastic waste in the production of bricks and paving blocks: a review, European Journal of Environmental and Civil engineering, August 2021, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/19648189.2021.1967201.
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