Properties of concrete incorporating plastic fibers derived from non-biodegradable waste plastic bags

Abstract

Incorporating post-consumer plastic waste into concrete offers a sustainable solution while providing safer plastic waste disposal. Nonbiodegradable end-of-use plastic bags are disposed of causing environmental and ocean pollution. This research aims to derive plastic fiber (PF) from wasted plastic bags in concrete production. Waste plastic bags as were collected, cleaned, and dried. Two different lengths of PF (20-35 and 5-12 mm) were derived through hand cutting. Including control mix, nine mixes were prepared with different percentages of PF. Slump and density were evaluated for fresh concrete, whereas strengths and absorption properties were assessed for hardened concrete. Relationships among different strength properties are also proposed based on the test results. A decreasing trend of strength properties was observed while increasing the fiber percentages. However, all the PFRC showed better flexural performance compared to the control mix. Thus, non-biodegradable plastic bags can be effectively repurposed in concrete production, contributing to landfill waste reduction, lowering carbon emissions, and advancing sustainability and circular economy practices in construction sector.