The influence of plastic waste on the properties of lime-based mortars

Abstract

The increasing consumption of plastics, and the threat of environmental impact of their disposal, renders the management of their waste of interest. In the present study, an effort has been made to investigate the influence of waste polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene (PP) of various origin in lime-based mortars, applied in the restoration of traditional structures. Nine mortar compositions (based on lime and natural pozzolan) were designed, manufactured and tested, in which natural aggregates were partially substituted by waste plastics (in proportions of 12.5% and 25% v/v of aggregates). According to the research results, shrinkage deformations were reduced in the short term in all modified compositions, porosity showed slight changes, while apparent specific gravity and capillary absorption index were decreased. Mechanical properties were enhanced in the case of the PVC and the lower PP flakes addition (12.5% v/v), while compressive strength was reduced around 5%–25% in the higher proportion (25% v/v). Generally, it could be asserted that the 12.5% v/v proportion of waste plastics offered benefit, and in particular PVC addition was beneficial in terms of physico-mechanical properties, rendering the exploitation of plastic waste in lime-based systems feasible.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

plastic waste / lime mortars / pozzolan / polypropylene / polyvinyl chloride

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