Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) Study of Concrete with Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic

Abstract

Concrete is unquestionably the most desirable construction material, but, like any coin, it also has a negative side. In one way or another, the raw materials used in the production of concrete have a negative impact on the environment. Cement production releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while aggregate production releases dust. The geology of the region where coarse aggregates were mined is also influenced by their extraction. Natural fine aggregates were replaced with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in this analysis. PET Plastic aggregates were produced by little cutting of waste plastic bottle. Plastic is the most serious environmental problem, and it is having a rapid effect. Shredded waste plastic was used in concrete as a partial substitute for traditional fine aggregate at 0 %, 5 %, 10 %, 15 %, and 20 % by weight. The aim of this research was to determine the compressive strength, x-ray fluorescence (XRF) of cement, microstructure of concrete, and the interfacial transition zone of concrete (ITZ). The concrete with 5% fine aggregate replacement showed a possible outcome of 21 MPa compressive strength, the control mix had the lowest percentage of 1.3 percent, and the concrete with 20% PET plastic had the highest percentage of 9.8 percent. It can be concluded that recycled plastic aggregates can be used to replace fine aggregate in concrete up to 5% of the replacement and can be used in non-load bearing structures where lightweight materials are preferred.