Development and Evaluation of Recycled Plastic–sand Tiles for Sustainable Construction Applications

Abstract

Aims: This study developed construction tiles from recycled polyethylene (PE) waste and sand and evaluated the effects of PE proportion and heating and mixing method on tile properties. Study Design: A quantitative, laboratory-based experimental design was used. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Chemical Technology Research Center, Department of Research and Innovation, Yangon, Myanmar, between April 2023 and March 2024. Methodology: Recycled PE waste was cleaned, dried, mechanically cut, and sieved to approximately 500 µm. Sand was dried and sieved before use. Four PE proportions, 25%, 30%, 33.33%, and 35% based on sand weight, and three heating and mixing methods were investigated. The produced tiles were evaluated for water absorption, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength, with measurements conducted in triplicate. Results: In the PE-proportion comparison, the 33.33% PE tile recorded the highest compressive strength (8.27 N/mm²), flexural strength (2.01 N/mm²), and tensile strength (2220 psi). In the processing-method comparison, Method 3 produced the highest compressive strength (15.97 N/mm²) and flexural strength (2.80 N/mm²), while Method 2 produced the highest tensile strength (3040 psi). The Method 3 tile had a density of 2.55 g/cm³ and water absorption of 3.4%. Conclusion: The 33.33% PE formulation processed using Method 3 provided the most favourable overall performance among the investigated conditions and represents a potential route for value-added use of recycled PE waste in construction tiles.