The research team completed a comprehensive pilot study in 2020, in collaboration with Wyndham City Council. The partners tested a range of new materials developed by replacing the fine aggregate usually used in the composite mix with polyethylene (PE) powder made from used plastic coffee cups. The experiments investigated whether this new type of composite material satisfies feasibility, environmental and fundamental performance requirements, in accordance with building codes and Australian Standards. The researchers measured the compressive strength, and the thermal and fire-hazard properties of bricks and panels containing PE powder. The powder was used to replace up to 10% of the fine aggregate normally used in the composite mix.
The tests found there was a drop in compressive strength, however the material could still be suitable for low-stress applications such as concrete footpaths and Besser blocks. Importantly, the composite material’s insulation properties improved, meaning it could potentially be beneficial for producing lightweight insulating panels. Associate Professor Zora Vrcelj, who led the research team, said that increasing the use of plastic waste in new building materials will contribute to achieving Australia’s target of recovering 80% of our waste by 2030.
In 2018–19, Australia generated 2.5 megatonnes of plastic waste. Only 15% of this waste was recycled – the lowest recovery rate of all waste categories. This waste includes used takeaway coffee cups (Australians drink around 2.7 million takeaway coffees every day). Almost all of the remaining plastic waste ends up in landfills. The building sector currently uses extracted natural resources, such as sand, clay and crushed stone, to produce fine aggregate for composite mixes.
Source: Victoria University
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