In an era where sustainability is no longer a choice but a necessity, a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Engineering, is set to revolutionize the construction industry. Led by Tareg Abdalla Abdalla from the Civil Engineering Department, this research explores an innovative approach to repurposing waste plastic, transforming it into a viable binding material for construction products. The implications for the energy sector and beyond are profound, offering a glimpse into a future where waste is not just managed but valorized.
The construction industry is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions, with cement production being a major culprit. Simultaneously, the world is grappling with a mounting waste plastic problem. Abdalla’s research bridges these two challenges, proposing a solution that could dramatically reduce our reliance on cement and promote a circular economy.
At the heart of this study is the use of repurposed linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) waste plastic combined with kaolin clay. Through extrusion techniques, Abdalla and his team created composite blocks with varying mix proportions of LLDPE and kaolin clay. The results were striking. The composite with a 1:2 mix ratio of LLDPE to kaolin clay exhibited optimal compressive strength, outperforming cement composites. Moreover, these repurposed LLDPE composites demonstrated superior tensile splitting and flexural strength, meeting stringent load-bearing block requirements according to both BS EN 771-3:2011 and ASTM C90 standards.
“The potential of using waste plastic as a binder in building materials is immense,” Abdalla asserts. “It’s not just about reducing waste; it’s about creating value from what was once considered valueless.”
The water absorption properties of these composites were also notably favorable, registering less than 1%, compared to cement composites which exceeded 2%. This could have significant implications for the energy sector, particularly in regions where water management is a critical concern. Buildings constructed with these composites could potentially reduce energy consumption related to water management, contributing to more sustainable and energy-efficient structures.
The commercial impacts of this research are vast. The construction industry could see a significant reduction in material costs, as waste plastic is abundant and often discarded at a cost. Moreover, the energy sector could benefit from more sustainable building materials that contribute to energy efficiency. The potential for job creation in the recycling and repurposing sector is also substantial, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
As we stand on the brink of a sustainable revolution, Abdalla’s research, published in the Journal of Engineering, offers a compelling vision of the future. It’s a future where waste is not a problem to be managed but a resource to be harnessed. A future where sustainability is not just an aspiration but a reality. The question now is not if this future will come, but when. And with pioneering research like Abdalla’s, that future is closer than ever.