Abstract:
Natural aggregate sources are becoming depleted due to high demand in the construction
industry and the amounts of disposed waste plastic material are increasing. Hence,
researchers are exploring the use of alternative materials instead of natural resources.
Therefore, the present invention provides a composite material wherein laterite, sand,
chemically unmodified Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), and fly ash (FA) are mixed in
a container to disperse raw material in PET and molded. Initially X-ray diffraction (XRD)
analysis have conducted for laterite, FA, and sand to identify major mineral phases. After
preparing the sample bricks according to the different proportions of raw materials under
four samples series, standard compressive strength (CS) in both dry and wet conditions
and water absorption (WA) analysis was conducted. XRD analysis of FA and laterite
have confirmed the presence of crystalline silica and kaolinite as major phases
respectively and sand has responsible peaks for quartz and feldspar as obvious. The
highest CS in wet and dry conditions has recorded for the combination in “series A”
which has 35% PET, 25% FA, and 20% laterite and sand. Further, the increasing FA
content able to increase CS in wet and dry conditions. Under the higher plastic content
breakeven point cannot be detected due to the high plasticity nature. The composite with
the highest plastic with only FA has lowest WA of 0.08% but its’ CS is lower than the
aforesaid combination in “series A” and this combination has 0.32% of WA which is still
below the standard WA to reference. Though higher plastic content in materials is
lightweight and suitable for the high seismic active areas, the highly flammable nature
stands as a major drawback. Therefore, 35% plastic, 25% FA, and 20% laterite and sand
can be taken as a favourable and novel combination for the production of bricks.
Keyword: Compressive strength, Water absorption, Plastic, Fly ash
