Evaluation of PET waste aggregates in polymer mortars

The aim of this research is to use non-biodegradable plastic aggregates made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste from beverage containers as partial replacement of natural aggregates in polymer mortars and evaluate the mechanical properties. Various weight fractions of sand 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% are replaced by the same weight of plastic. The main results of this study show the feasibility of the reuse of PET waste aggregates materials as partial substitutes for aggregates in composite materials. Despite of some drawbacks like a decrease in flexural and compressive strength, the use of PET waste aggregates presents some advantages. Significant improvements in the flexural and compressive modulus of elasticity were observed. Also, the flexural and compressive toughness increase with increasing PET content. The present study presents an alternative way of recycling PET, contributing to reduce waste environment preservation. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.