The Effectiveness of Plastic Bottles as an Additive in Making Hollow Blocks

Abstract

Plastic or polymer bottles are commonly used daily for containing fluids, condiments, and drinks. Plastic is a malleable, lightweight, moisture-resistant, stable, and relatively affordable product. The excessive use of plastic materials nowadays - plastic bottles significantly leads to environmental problems. Studies show that it will take 20 to 500 years before a plastic composite material decomposes, depending on the structure and environmental factors. Plastic bottles are a significant contributor to this problem.

Additionally, the use of plastic bottles as an ingredient in hollow blocks has the potential to lessen greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. Compared to conventional materials, this study seeks to determine whether adding plastic bottles to hollow blocks improves their strength and durability. Using plastic bottles as an additive in producing hollow blocks is an effective method for reducing the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Concrete hollow blocks are essential raw materials for constructing structures, buildings, and houses. However, the researchers discovered that a potential aggregate - plastic bottle can be used as an additive in creating concrete hollow blocks. An inventive solution to environmental and construction-related problems is to include plastic bottles as an additive while making hollow blocks. Finding innovative ways to recycle and reuse plastic bottles can help to reduce the problem of global waste. The researchers conducted the study through experimental and observation methods. Plastic bottles were collected from various locations, including school recycling bins, junk stores, and households. The researchers will purchase cement from a nearby home improvement store and sand from any free or cheap location.

Additionally, the researchers will utilize water easily obtained by requesting free water or purchasing water nearby where the research will be conducted. Molders of hollow blocks can borrow materials from factories that make hollow blocks. The researchers conducted three tests which subjected the concrete hollow blocks to plastic bottle additives, in drop test, water absorption test, and heat test, to examine, analyze and interpret the significance of adding plastic bottles to concrete hollow blocks. As a result of the experiment, plastic bottles were an effective additive in making hollow blocks. The experimental hollow block is more effective than Normal hollow blocks. This research aims to produce high-quality hollow blocks with plastic bottles as an additive. In doing so, hollow blocks with plastic waste are more efficient and durable than commercial hollow blocks. Thus, plastic bottles can be additives in making hollow blocks. The results prove that the experiment was practical and proven in the durability, heat, and water absorption tests. Plastic bottles can be used as an additive in making hollow blocks.