The Effect of Polymer Waste Addition on the Compressive Strength and Water Absorption of Geopolymer Ceramics

Abstract

The quantity of polymer waste in our communities is increasing significantly. It is therefore necessary to consider reuse or recycling waste to avoid an increase in the risk to public health. This project is aimed at using pulverized low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste as a source to reinforce and improve compressive strength, and to reduce the water absorption of geopolymer ceramics (GC). Clay:LDPE composition consisting of 5%, 10%, and 15% LDPE was geopolymerized with an NaOH/Na2SiO3 solution and cured at 30 °C and 50 °C. Characterization of the geopolymer samples was carried out using XRF and XRD. The microstructure was analyzed by SEM and chemical bonding by FTIR. The SEM micrographs showed LDPE particle pull-out on the geopolymer ceramics’ fracture surface. The result showed that the compressive strength increases with the addition of pulverized polymer waste compared to the controlled without LDPE addition. Water absorption decreased with an increase in LDPE addition in the geopolymer ceramics composite.

Mechanical and frictional properties of coconut husk powder reinforced polymer immersed in a simulated acidic medium for oil/gas applications

“…This low water absorption of the samples could be attributed to the hydrophobic nature of the LDPE polymer [ 49 ]. This aligns with the findings of Linda Bih et al [ 34 ], who noted the hydrophobic nature of polymer matrix-natural fibre composites. The observed behaviour of the hybrid composite samples in the water absorption test could also be influenced by the properties of the natural fibres.…”

“…This observation is consistent with the increased water absorption ability ( Fig. 6 ) observed in the hybrid composites after acid ageing [ 34 ].…”

“…A lower test speed and shorter test period were chosen to avoid excessive wear on the surface and temperature rise because this study concentrated on the friction behaviour at the start of sliding. The friction test parameter settings were the same for each sample to ensure the comparability of test findings from various samples [ 34 , 35 ].…”

Reducing Water Absorption and Improving Flexural Strength of Aluminosilicate Ceramics by MnO2 Doping

“…Recently, the implementation of energy-saving production policies have motivated many industries, especially high energy-consuming industries, to develop new technologies to reduce energy consumption [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. For the ceramic industry, the key point is to lower the sintering temperature while ensuring sufficiently high mechanical strength [ 10 , 11 ] and low water absorption [ 12 , 13 , 14 ] to meet the production requirements.…”

Special Issue on “Recycling Waste in Construction Materials, Volume II”

“…The main application of this is as a non-hydraulic binder for specific purposes such as prefabrication, decoration, insulation walls, or flooring material. Moreover, Bih Numfor et al [3] used pulverized low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste as a source to reinforce and improve the compressive strength and reduce the water absorption of geopolymer ceramics formulated from metaclay and metakaolin aluminasilicates. Another study was that of Ibáñez-Gonsálvez et al [4].…”