Abstract

The burgeoning challenge of plastic waste management has prompted researchers to seek sustainable alternatives within various sectors, particularly in the construction industry, which is a significant consumer of raw materials. This study thoroughly investigates the viability of incorporating Bakelite waste, a type of thermosetting plastic known for its durability and resistance to degradation, as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete formulations. Concrete mixtures were meticulously designed with varying proportions of Bakelite waste, specifically at levels of 0%, 15%, and 25%, to evaluate their effects on critical mechanical properties. These properties include compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption, which are essential for determining the performance and durability of concrete. The testing was conducted over different curing periods – namely, 7, 14, and 28 days – to assess the evolution of these properties over time. The experimental results revealed that the compressive strength of the control mix, which contained no Bakelite waste, was consistently superior to that of the mixes containing Bakelite waste. Notably, the concrete mix with a 15% replacement of Bakelite demonstrated promising mechanical performance, suggesting that this level of replacement strikes a balance between resource conservation and maintaining concrete integrity. However, the 25% replacement level exhibited a more pronounced decline in mechanical performance, indicating the necessity of careful consideration regarding the proportion of Bakelite waste used. Additionally, the study indicated that Bakelite waste could enhance certain durability characteristics of concrete when used at optimal replacement levels, particularly in terms of water absorption. This implies that the inclusion of Bakelite not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste disposal but also offers an innovative approach to improve the sustainability of concrete production. These findings underscore the potential of Bakelite waste to contribute positively to sustainable construction practices, effectively mitigating plastic waste while ensuring adequate concrete performance. Ultimately, the integration of Bakelite waste in concrete represents a promising pathway for achieving a more sustainable and eco-friendly construction industry, while also fostering further research into the long-term impacts of recycled materials on concrete structures.

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1. Akhter J, Rahman A. Use of recycled plastic as aggregate in concrete: A review. Constr Build Mater. 2021;287:123091.
2. Debieb F, Kenai S. Mechanical and durability properties of 100% recycled concrete. Constr Build Mater. 2010;24(12):2464–2472.
3. Ismail Z, Hashim S. Recycled aggregate concrete: A review. Int J Phys Sci. 2011;6(7):1527–1534.
4. Kou SC, Poon CS. Properties of concrete prepared with recycled glass aggregate. Cem Concr Compos. 2012;34(3):237–243.
5. Rahal K. Mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete. J Mater Civ Eng. 2007;19(2):128–132.
6. Zhao J, Wang X. Research on the application of Bakelite waste in concrete materials. J Clean Prod. 2022;322:129075.
7. Tam VWY, Tam CM. Diversifying two-stage mixing approach (TSMA) for recycled aggregate concrete. Cem Concr Res. 2008;38(6):764–771.
8. Pacheco-Torgal F, Jalali S. Reusing ceramic wastes in concrete. Constr Build Mater. 2010;24(5):832–838.
9. Li X. Recycling and reuse of waste concrete in China: Part II. Constr Build Mater. 2008;22(5):993–1000.
10. Silva RV, de Brito J, Dhir RK. Properties and composition of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste suitable for concrete production. Constr Build Mater. 2014;65:201–217.

Abstract

The burgeoning challenge of plastic waste management has prompted researchers to seek sustainable alternatives within various sectors, particularly in the construction industry, which is a significant consumer of raw materials. This study thoroughly investigates the viability of incorporating Bakelite waste, a type of thermosetting plastic known for its durability and resistance to degradation, as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete formulations. Concrete mixtures were meticulously designed with varying proportions of Bakelite waste, specifically at levels of 0%, 15%, and 25%, to evaluate their effects on critical mechanical properties. These properties include compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption, which are essential for determining the performance and durability of concrete. The testing was conducted over different curing periods – namely, 7, 14, and 28 days – to assess the evolution of these properties over time. The experimental results revealed that the compressive strength of the control mix, which contained no Bakelite waste, was consistently superior to that of the mixes containing Bakelite waste. Notably, the concrete mix with a 15% replacement of Bakelite demonstrated promising mechanical performance, suggesting that this level of replacement strikes a balance between resource conservation and maintaining concrete integrity. However, the 25% replacement level exhibited a more pronounced decline in mechanical performance, indicating the necessity of careful consideration regarding the proportion of Bakelite waste used. Additionally, the study indicated that Bakelite waste could enhance certain durability characteristics of concrete when used at optimal replacement levels, particularly in terms of water absorption. This implies that the inclusion of Bakelite not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste disposal but also offers an innovative approach to improve the sustainability of concrete production. These findings underscore the potential of Bakelite waste to contribute positively to sustainable construction practices, effectively mitigating plastic waste while ensuring adequate concrete performance. Ultimately, the integration of Bakelite waste in concrete represents a promising pathway for achieving a more sustainable and eco-friendly construction industry, while also fostering further research into the long-term impacts of recycled materials on concrete structures.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Akhter J, Rahman A. Use of recycled plastic as aggregate in concrete: A review. Constr Build Mater. 2021;287:123091.
2. Debieb F, Kenai S. Mechanical and durability properties of 100% recycled concrete. Constr Build Mater. 2010;24(12):2464–2472.
3. Ismail Z, Hashim S. Recycled aggregate concrete: A review. Int J Phys Sci. 2011;6(7):1527–1534.
4. Kou SC, Poon CS. Properties of concrete prepared with recycled glass aggregate. Cem Concr Compos. 2012;34(3):237–243.
5. Rahal K. Mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete. J Mater Civ Eng. 2007;19(2):128–132.
6. Zhao J, Wang X. Research on the application of Bakelite waste in concrete materials. J Clean Prod. 2022;322:129075.
7. Tam VWY, Tam CM. Diversifying two-stage mixing approach (TSMA) for recycled aggregate concrete. Cem Concr Res. 2008;38(6):764–771.
8. Pacheco-Torgal F, Jalali S. Reusing ceramic wastes in concrete. Constr Build Mater. 2010;24(5):832–838.
9. Li X. Recycling and reuse of waste concrete in China: Part II. Constr Build Mater. 2008;22(5):993–1000.
10. Silva RV, de Brito J, Dhir RK. Properties and composition of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste suitable for concrete production. Constr Build Mater. 2014;65:201–217.