Utilization of low density polyethylene waste to produce pavement blocks.pptx

I developed an innovative project utilizing low-density polyethylene waste to produce eco-friendly pavement blocks. The recycled plastic was mixed with aggregates and molded into durable blocks, reducing waste and creating sustainable infrastructure.

1. FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATION NICHOLAS KWABENA KYEI (National Service Personnel, NBA)

2. Content Abstract Acknowledgment Dedication List of Abbreviations Background Problem Statement Purpose/Aim of Study Significance of study Literature Review

3. Experimental Design Testing Results and Discussion Conclusion and Recommendation Reference

4. UTILIZATION OF LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE WASTE TO PRODUCE PAVEMENT BLOCKS source: www.researchgate.net

5. Abstract Plastic waste pollution is a huge problem for Ghana and even the world as a whole. Every day the demand for plastics especially low-density polyethylene increases therefore plastic waste also increases. Plastics are not biodegradable and it takes centuries for them to disintegrate under constant exposure to sunlight, making plastics extremely difficult to get rid of. New and innovative methods have been developed to tackle the plastic waste pollution problem such as melting the plastic waste and mixing it with sand to produce pavement blocks. The target of this project is to use plastic waste (low density polyethylene) to replace cement in the production of pavement blocks and increase the mechanical strength of the plastic pavement blocks to match that of the conventional pavement blocks. This will not only serve as an alternative means of disposing plastic waste but will also be way of preserving our natural resources.

6. Decrease in space for landfills and the fact that there is no proper solution of getting rid of the plastic since burning plastic waste releases toxic gases into the atmosphere which is harmful to vegetation, humans and animals has made disposing of plastic waste become a major concern in Ghana because of the Therefore, utilizing LDPE waste in Ghana will make a huge difference in protecting the environment and considering the fact that plastic waste is easily accessible means the pavement blocks produced from plastic waste will be cheaper than the cement pavement blocks.

7. Acknowledgement We would like to express our special thanks of gratitude to our Supervisor, Dr. Stephen K. Armah and his Teaching Assistant, Mr. Godwin for their guidance and support in carrying out this project work. We also sincerely thank the Lecturers and staff at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering especially Madam Gloria and Madam Grace for their assistance with the lab equipment for the project work. We would also like to extend a special thanks to all the relatives and friends who shared their support either morally, financially or physically. Above all, we would like to express our utmost gratitude to the Almighty God for his countless love and blessings.

8. Dedication This project work is dedicated to the citizens of Ghana, our loving Parents and siblings, who offered unconditional love and support and have always been there for us.

9. List of Abbreviations LDPE-Low Density Polyethylene IF-Iron Filings SD-Sawdust S-Sand

10. Background Plastic waste pollution is a huge problem in Ghana, an extensive amount of the plastic waste is made up of polyethylene especially Low-density polyethylene, see Figure 1.0. As the population of Ghana rises, the demand for LDPE products increases because of their unique properties such as durability, light in weight and excellent chemical resistance but due to its non-biodegradable nature it causes great harm and danger to humans and animals especially aquatic animals because LDPE are easily blown away by the wind and can end up in water bodies. Scientist estimate that low density polyethylene exposed to ultra violet light will break down into microscopic pieces in as little as 500 years or 1000 years ( Kedare , 2020) and if not exposed to sunlight could remain on landfills indefinitely.

11. Making plastic pavement blocks only requires plastic waste and sand therefore less materials are needed and other natural resources can be sustained. Therefore, the LDPE will serve as a replacement for the cement and stone chips when preparing the pavement blocks. LDPE waste will be melted and mixed with sand and iron filings or sand and sawdust in a ratio to produce pavement blocks which can be used in some applications instead of the conventional pavement blocks. The iron filings and sawdust will serve as reinforcement to increase the mechanical properties of the pavement produced especially in terms of compressive strength. Applying plastic waste in the production of pavement blocks provides an alternative solution in getting rid of plastic waste.

12. Problem Statement Ghana  generates around 1 million tons of plastic waste each year, according to a UNDP report. Up to 5% are recycled. The rest accumulates in the environment, with around 23% ending up in the ocean. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) estimates that plastic bottles that end up in the ocean can take up to 450 years to biodegrade . The current methods of disposing plastic waste are causing tremendous damages to the environments and the world. As the plastic waste are disposed on landfills, the toxic chemicals leak into ground, water bodies the and vegetation( Sohani et al., 2018). The chemicals pollute the water bodies, destroy plants and crops and makes the fields no longer fertile for planting crops. When people burn plastic waste the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere and as the carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere it absorbs the heat energy and re-emits the heat back to earth which increases the global temperature and cause global warming.

13. Purpose/Aim of Study The aim is to reduce plastic waste pollution in Ghana by using LDPE waste to produce pavement blocks . Objectives of Study 1. To prepare various proportions of LDPE pavement blocks using LDPE waste. 2. To increase the mechanical strength of the LDPE-sand pavement block. 3 . To determine the compressive and flexural strength of samples of the LDPE modified pavement blocks. 4. To determine the water absorption content of LDPE pavement blocks.

14. Significance of the Study Utilizing plastic waste, for example LDPE, in Ghana will make a huge difference in protecting and keeping the environment clean to promote good health of humans and animals and sustain natural resources for future use. This will also help reduce global warming because plastic waste will not be burnt into the atmosphere and plastic pavement blocks will be affordable and easily purchased for future projects instead of conventional pavement blocks.

15. Literature Review Composite materials Composites are divided into three categories: Particle-reinforced composites Fiber-reinforced composites Structural composites

16. Particle-reinforced composites

17. Fiber-reinforced composite Fiber reinforced

18. Structural composites

19. Concrete a building material made from a mixture of broken stone or gravel, sand, cement, and water, which can be spread or poured into moulds and forms a mass resembling stone on hardening . Light weight Heavy weight

20. Polymers Polymer is a very huge molecule created by attaching many small molecules called monomer [10]. With size change, molecule features change too [11]. With changing the molecule length, the product feature change [11]. With changing the size and mass of the molecule, compounds deposition to form solid state [11].

21. Polymer properties Polymers properties depend on their molecular mass and chemical structure [10]. Being cross links in polymer chains improves polymer mechanical properties. In thermoplastic polymer with no cross link,  polymer chains slip on one another because of power or heat and Vendorous forces between them disappear. After movement, intermolecular forces appear again [11]. Thermoplastic polymer returns to its first state weakly [11]. Crosslink in thermoset polymer restrict polymer chain relative movement and it can be considered that under power shape shift in this polymer is like a three dimensional network under power shape shift [11]. Polymer chains move a little from each other by electric charge or heat in thermoset polymer; but cross link won’t be distinguished (unless at the last charge) [11].

22. Polymer Concrete A polymer concrete is a composite material formed by polymerizing a monomer and aggregate mixture [10]. The polymerized monomer acts as a binder for the aggregate, performing the same function [10]. Properties of Polymers in Concrete The impregnation of concrete with polymers in general results in a new composite material which is significantly superior to ordinary concrete in both physical and chemical properties, such as increased compressive, tensile and flexural strength and abrasion resistance, increased durability and resistance to chemical attack and reduced shrinkage, creep and water absorption.

23. Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) PE is classified as a “thermoplastic” (as opposed to “thermoset”), and the name has to do with the way the plastic responds to heat [13]. Thermoplastic materials become liquid at their melting point (110-130 degrees Celsius in the case of LDPE and HDPE respectively) [13]. They can be cooled reheated again, and heated to their melting point without showing any sign of degradation. Instead of burning, thermoplastics like Polyethylene liquefy, which allows them to be easily [injection molded] and then subsequently recycled [ 13].

24. Properties of LDPE LDPE is ductile and flexible material. It is stable in the temperature range from -50 to 85°C, the melting point is from 105 to 115°C [2]. In the absence of oxygen LDPE is stable up to 290 °C [2]. It decomposes within 290 to 350 °C and thermoplastic products of lower molecular weight are formed [2]. Gaseous products are formed in greater quantities above 350 ° C. LDPE is less stable when oxygen is present. LDPE is insoluble at normal temperature but is soluble at higher temperatures in aliphatic, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons [2]. In the case that articles made of LDPE are exposed to the effect of chemical substances along with mechanical stress, on the surface cracks can be formed – this phenomenon is called environmental stress cracking [2]. LDPE has advantageous properties in permeability [2].

25. LDPE Molecular structure LDPE Chemical structure

26. LDPE in Pavement LDPE Branched structure LDPE Water sachet waste

27. Experimental Design

28. Experimental Design

29. Method The mixtures was done in ratios of 70:30, 70 % as the sand and 30% as the LDPE waste. The iron filings and sawdust were added 10% each . Making plastic pavement blocks only requires plastic waste and sand therefore less materials are needed and other natural resources can be sustained. Therefore, the LDPE will serve as a replacement for the cement and stone chips when preparing the pavement blocks. LDPE waste will be melted and mixed with sand and iron filings or sand and sawdust in a ratio to produce pavement blocks which can be used in some applications instead of the conventional pavement blocks.

30. Applying plastic waste in the production of pavement blocks provides an alternative solution in getting rid of plastic waste. The iron filings and sawdust will serve as reinforcement to increase the mechanical properties of the pavement produced especially in terms of compressive strength.

31. Instruments Compressive Test Machine

32. Flexural Test Machine Ball Mill Machine

33. Materials: Fine sand LDPE Waste iron filling sawdust

34. A sieve Wooden Molds 20cm*9.4cm*7cm

35. Sample Preparation - Cutting, Drying and Weighing D rying of Water sachet pieces The polyethylene water sachets were washed cut open using either scissors or blade and left to dry in an open area under the scorching sun. After days of drying under the sun the water sachets were collected, cut into pieces and weighed in grams according to the ratios needed for the experiment. By using the wet sieving method, the sand was sieved to obtain fine particles. The sieve produced fine sand particle sizes and the sand was left under the Sun to get rid of all the moisture.

36. The iron filings and saw dust were sieved t o obtain them in a fine powdery form. Fine Iron fillings Fine Sawdust

37. Melting and Mixing Heating The LDPE waste was melted to a viscous form at 150 to 160 degrees Celsius. Once the LDPE changed into viscous form, the sand was added to the mixture and stirred. The iron filings and sawdust were then added to the mixture and stirred till a homogeneous paste is obtained. The mixtures were done in ratios of 70:30, 70 % as the sand and 30% as the LDPE waste while 10% each for iron filings and sawdust added as reinforcement.

38. Liquefied (viscous) LDPE upon heating and melting

39. Molding The mixture was quickly poured into a clean mold with a help of the ladle or shaft used for stirring. LDPE melt + IF/SD + S

40. Drying The mold and the mixture were allowed to dry then the pavement blocks were removed for testing. Dried LDPE Pavement Block

41. Testing With the help of compressive test machine and flexural test machine, both compressive and flexural test was measured from the obtained pavement blocks. The water absorption test is determined using the equation: The pavement blocks were weighed when dried and weighed after it has been put in water for 24hours . It was then calculated using the above equation. Therefore, the percentage of the water absorbed by the pavement block was obtained . Hardness was also conducted.  

42. Compressive Testing of LDPE pavement block Flexural Testing of LDPE pavement block

43. Results and Discussion LDPE Block reinforced with IF LDPE Block reinforced with SD

44. Compressive Test   Composition in grams Compressive test (Average) 700S , 300LDPE, 100IF 16.6 700S , 300LDPE, 100SD 13.8 /   Composition in grams Compressive test (Average) 700S , 300LDPE, 100IF 700S , 300LDPE, 100SD

45. The compression test conducted shows that the polymer pavement block reinforced with iron filings yielded the highest compressive strength at 16.6 .  

46. Flexural Test Composition in grams Flexural Test 700S, 300LDPE, 100IF 1.5 700S, 300LDPE, 100SD 1.9 Composition in grams Flexural Test 700S, 300LDPE, 100IF 700S, 300LDPE, 100SD

47. The flexural test conducted on the samples showed that the LDPE blocks reinforced with saw dust yielded a better flexural strength result than the LDPE block with reinforced with iron filings.

48. Water Absorption Composition in grams Water Absorption 700S , 300LDPE, 100IF 0.3% 700S , 300LDPE, 100SD 0.86%

49. I t shows that the polymer block with iron filings has better water resistance than the polymer block with saw dust because it absorbed less water.

50. Hardness Test A scratch was made on both polymer blocks with a sharp metal tool but there was no significant effect on the surfaces of the blocks therefore this proves the blocks are of good quality and the polymer block reinforced with iron filings had a harder surface than the polymer block reinforced with sawdust.

51. Comparison of Test Results

52. T he results shows that the polymer blocks absorb less water than the cement blocks and has higher compressive strength. The of mix of 1:2:4 (Cement, sand and granite) being compared with the polymer blocks, absorbs more water, less flexural and compressive strength The polymer blocks reinforced with iron filings produced the best compressive strength among the samples. The iron filings increased the compressive strength of the polymer block and the sawdust increased the flexural strength of the polymer block. Overall, the polymer blocks are great in water resistance than the conventional cement block. Therefore, this gives an advantage to polymer blocks in terms of efficiency and durability especially in water logged areas.

53. Conclusion The research shows that by adding iron fillings and saw dust reinforcement particles, it increases the compression and flexural strength respectively. The research shows the application of LDPE waste into blocks and useful constructional materials as well as being a partial solution to the plastic wastes environmental and ecological challenges. LDPE pavement blocks are more advantageous than concrete pavement blocks such as minimizing plastic waste disposal, cost efficiency, tougher, and durable compared to the pavement blocks produced from conventional cement. It is established from the research that the two reinforced LDPE pavement blocks that is, 700S,300LDPE,100IF and 700S,300LDPE,100SD produced a better compressive and flexural strength as compared to 700S,300LDPE pavement blocks with no reinforcement. The iron filings increased the compressive strength of the polymer block and the sawdust increased the flexural strength of the polymer block. 

54. Recommendation  The LDPE pavement blocks have better water resistance compared with the other two research projects and the conventional cement block. It can be used in non-traffic roads, pedestrian path, recreational facilities, etc. Based on these results, LDPE pavement blocks are feasible for use as pavement blocks with the aim of minimizing plastic waste disposal in our surrounding due to its comparable mechanical properties, ease of processing, and its readily available LDPE waste material in the environment.

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57. Thank you.