Volume 17, No. 3, 2023
Received: 2023/01/30, Accepted: 2023/05/08
Authors:
Mahmood Ahmed;
Abstract:
This study proposed to recycle waste clay brick and waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles as substitution materials in geopolymer concrete. For this purpose, the control mix of geopolymer concrete prepared based on blended metakaolin and waste clay brick powder (CBP) at (50:50)% by weight. To evaluate using of shredded PET particles as fine aggregate, three mixtures were made by replacing sand with PET aggregate at volumetric percentages (10%, 15% and 20%). The specimens containing PET- aggregate were tested and compared with control mix (0% PET) emphasis on fresh and dry density, mechanical performance, water absorption, and its microstructure characteristics. Results indicated that the inclusion of PET aggregate will slightly reduce density, and improved the mechanical properties. The compressive strength of control mix (20.8 MPa) increased to reach 28.1 MPa for 20% PET replacement at 28-day. Moreover, the lowest water absorption has obtained for 20% PET content. The scanning electron microscopy images revealed that inclusion waste PET as a sand had a significant effect on the microstructure of Mk-CBP geopolymer concrete. In compare with control mix, the microstructure of matrix containing 20% PET was more dense, with less pores and microcracks, in addition to packing paste in interfacial transition zone.
Keywords:
Brick powder, Fine aggregate, Geopolymer concrete, Metakaolin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET).