THE IMPACT OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (WATER SACHETS) ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF CEMENT MORTAR

THE IMPACT OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (WATER SACHETS) ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF CEMENT MORTAR

Abstract:
The widespread use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) water sachets as packaging material has led to significant environmental concerns due to their improper disposal and accumulation in landfills and water bodies. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating LDPE water sachets as a partial replacement for fine aggregates in cement mortar on its mechanical properties.

Experimental investigations were conducted on cement mortar specimens with varying proportions of LDPE water sachets as a substitute for fine aggregates. The mechanical properties evaluated include compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and density. A control sample without LDPE was also prepared for comparison purposes.

The results indicated that the addition of LDPE water sachets led to a reduction in the compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths of the cement mortar. This reduction can be attributed to the weak bonding between LDPE and cement matrix, resulting in a decrease in load transfer efficiency. The density of the LDPE-modified cement mortar was also observed to decrease due to the lower density of LDPE compared to conventional fine aggregates.

Furthermore, the study examined the influence of LDPE particle size and content on the mechanical properties of the cement mortar. It was observed that higher LDPE content and larger particle sizes resulted in more significant reductions in mechanical strength.

The environmental implications of incorporating LDPE water sachets in cement mortar were also considered. The utilization of LDPE as a partial replacement for fine aggregates presents a sustainable solution for reducing plastic waste. However, the decrease in mechanical strength should be carefully evaluated in specific applications to ensure structural integrity.

In conclusion, the incorporation of LDPE water sachets in cement mortar negatively affects the mechanical properties of the resulting material. However, the use of LDPE in construction applications can contribute to the mitigation of plastic waste, provided that the reduced strength is considered in the design and application of the material. Further research is recommended to explore potential strategies for enhancing the interface between LDPE and cement matrix to improve the overall mechanical performance of LDPE-modified cement mortar.

THE IMPACT OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (WATER SACHETS) ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF CEMENT MORTAR, GET MORE MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

Sharing is caring!