Evaluation of Some Beneficial Environmental Impacts and Enhanced Thermal Properties Resulting from Waste Plastic Integration into Concrete

Abstract

The burgeoning issue of plastic waste, exacerbated by urbanization and pollution, has emerged as a global concern. A novel approach to address this problem involves the recycling of waste plastics and their incorporation into concrete, thereby promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. This study offers a comprehensive review of the effects of integrating plastic waste into concrete to enhance its thermal properties. The findings reveal that the inclusion of waste plastics considerably reduces the thermal conductivity of concrete, augments its thermal resistance, and optimizes its thermal diffusivity. Moreover, the utilization of plastic waste in concrete yields environmental advantages, such as the mitigation of detrimental impacts on marine and terrestrial ecosystems resulting from plastic pollution. This research contributes to the expanding body of literature on sustainable concrete production and waste plastic recycling, providing valuable insights for the development of eco-friendly construction materials.