Effect of various plastic wastes on durability characteristics of mortars

This article presents a comprehensive study of the durability characteristics of mortar incorporating various plastic wastes. Different types of plastic wastes, namely, PVC, PP and HDPE, were partially replaced with natural sand in the production of mortar specimens. The percentage replacement levels used in this study are 25% and 50%. Fresh and hardened properties including unit weight, apparent porosity, water absorption, resistance to acid attack, chloride ion penetration, thaw/freeze resistance and abrasion resistance were investigated for the purpose of this study. The results revealed that incorporating plastic waste as fine aggregate replacement in mortar reduces their unit weight and results in lower compressive strength compared to conventional aggregate mortar. However, enhancement in chloride ion penetration resistance, resistance to abrasion wear and freeze-thaw properties were observed for the mortars containing plastic wastes. Therefore, there is substantial potential for the use of the above-mentioned plastic wastes in the production of sustainable and green mortar.