PRODUCTION OF BRICK USING PLASTIC WASTE

BATCH - 10
SHARAN D - 20C223
SUDHARSAN TS - 20C224
SURIYA KS - 20C226
NASIR ALI - 20C232
BALUKARTHICK - 21C401
BOOPATHI - 21C402

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement to complete the course

INNOVATION PRACTICES – 19C620

Branch: CIVIL ENGINEERING

of Anna University

APRIL 2023

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
(AUTONOMOUS INSTITUTION)
COIMBATORE-641004

PSG COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

(Affiliated to Anna University)
Coimbatore-641004
 PRODUCTION OF BRICK USING PLASTIC WASTE
Bonafide record work done by

BATCH 10

SHARAN D - 20C223

SUDHARSAN TS - 20C224

SURIYA KS - 20C226

NASIR ALI - 20C232

BALUKARTHICK - 21C401

BOOPATHI - 21C402

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement to complete the course

INNOVATION PRACTICES – 19C620

Branch: CIVIL ENGINEERING

Of Anna University
APRIL 2023

………………..........….. …………………………….…
Dr.NIVITHA Dr.M.PALANIKUMAR
Internal guide Head of the Department

Certified that the candidate was examined in the viva-voce examination held on……..............

…………………….. …………………………..
(Internal Examiner) (External Examiner)

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, we thank the Department of Civil engineering, PSG College of

Technology for making us do Project works where we would get to know about the
current technologies and trends in various Civil Engineering fields.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to our principal Dr.K.Prakasan, PSG

College of Technology, who gave us an opportunity to expose ourselves in the field
of Civil Engineering.

We are also grateful to Dr.M.Palanikumar, Professor and Head of

Department of Civil engineering, for his valuable suggestions.

We would also express our sincere thanks to our Internal Guide,

Dr.Nivitha, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, for his constant
support and encouragement in successful completion of this project.

We would like to thank our parents for their motivation in providing us

opportunities and for making us reach greater heights.

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 CONTENTS

Chapter Page No.

Acknowledgement ………………………...……………………………………………3
List of Tables .……………………………………..……..…….…………………….….5
List of Figures ……...……..……………….…..………………………………....…....5

1. Abstract……………………………………………………….…………………06
2. Introduction…………………………………………………….……………….08
3. Material Used…………………………………………………….……………...12
4. Methodology………………………………….……………..…………………...15
5. Procedure…………………………………………………….……………..........17
6. Test & Result .……………………………………………………….………….20
7. Conclusion………………………………………………………………….…….23
8. Bibliography……………………………………………………………………...26

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 LIST OF TABLES

TABLE.NO. TABLE PAGE NO.

1 Physical Characteristics of Fine Aggregate 12

2 Properties of Plastic Polyethylene 13

3 Compressive strength test result 20

4 Water absorption test result 21

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig.No TITLE PAGE NO.

1 18
Plastic brick
2 18
Mould of plastic brick

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CHAPTER – 1
ABSTRACT

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 1.ABSTRACT

Plastic waste which is increasing day by day becomes eyesore and in turn pollutes
the environment, especially in high mountain villages where no garbage collection
system exists. A large amount of plastic being brought into the tourist trekking
regions are discarded or burned which leads to the contamination of environment
and air. Hence, these waste plastics are to be effectively utilized. Low-density
polyethylene bags are cleaned and added with sand at particular percentages to
obtain high strength bricks that possess thermal and sound insulation properties to
control pollution and to reduce the overall cost of construction; this is one of the
best ways to avoid the accumulation of plastic waste which is an on-degradable
pollutant. This alternatively saves the quantity of sand/clay that has to be taken
away from the precious river beds/mines. The plastic waste is naturally available in
surplus quantity and hence the cost factor comes down. Also coloring agents can
be added to the mixture to attain desired shades. Hence in this thesis, an attempt is
made to study the properties of the brick which is manufactured using plastic
wastes. The present work deals with the manufacturing and analysis of bricks made
with waste plastic (LDPE) and fine aggregates. The bricks produced are
lightweight, have smooth surface and fine edges, do not have cracks and have high
crushing strength and very low water absorption. The bricks are manufactured by
heating waste plastic to a temperature range of 120 to 150 degree centigrade and
mixing sand to the molten plastic.

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 CHAPTER – 2
INTRODUCTION

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 2. INTRODUCTION
Bricks from plastic are a revolutionary solution to the growing problem of plastic
waste. Instead of allowing plastic waste to accumulate in landfills and oceans, it
can be recycled and transformed into a valuable building material in the form of
bricks. This innovative approach has gained increasing attention as an eco-friendly
and sustainable solution for the construction industry. The production of bricks
using plastic offers several benefits. It reduces plastic waste and helps to mitigate
the negative impact of plastic pollution on the environment. It also provides a
low-cost and lightweight building material that can be used for a variety of
purposes, including construction of low-cost housing, boundary walls, and
pavements.The process of making bricks from plastic involves collecting and
sorting plastic waste, shredding it into small pieces, and then mixing it with sand or
other materials to create a plastic-sand mixture. The mixture is then compressed
using a hydraulic press or similar machinery to form the desired shape of the
bricks. The newly formed bricks are then cured and finished to create a smooth
surface and ensure uniformity in shape and size.The process for making bricks
from waste materials will depend on the specific waste material being used, as well
as the desired properties of the bricks.The quality of the bricks can vary depending
on the type and quality of the plastic used, as well as the mixing and compression
process.

2.a. OBJECTIVE

● To provide a sustainable solution to the problem of plastic waste. By

recycling plastic waste and transforming it into a valuable building material,
the production of bricks from plastic aims to reduce the environmental
impact of plastic pollution and conserve natural resources like sand and clay.

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 ● To promote the adoption of sustainable practices and innovative solutions in
the construction industry that can contribute to a greener and more
sustainable future.

2.b. SCOPE

The scope in construction of bricks from plastic is vast and offers a range of
opportunities for various applications. Here are some of the potential scopes of
using bricks from plastic.

● Low-cost housing: Bricks from plastic waste offer a low-cost alternative to

traditional bricks and building materials, making them an ideal solution for
low-cost housing projects. This approach can help to reduce the cost of
building houses, making them more affordable for low-income households.
● Green building: Bricks from plastic waste can be used as a sustainable and
eco-friendly building material for green buildings. This approach can help to
reduce the carbon footprint of buildings and promote sustainable practices in
the construction industry.
● Disaster-resistant housing: Bricks from plastic waste can be used to
construct disaster-resistant housing. They are lightweight and can withstand
severe weather conditions, making them a practical choice for disaster-prone
areas.
● Temporary structures: Bricks from plastic waste can be used to construct
temporary structures such as event stages, exhibition booths, and pop-up
stores. They are lightweight and easy to transport, making them a practical
choice for temporary structures.
● Boundary walls: Bricks from plastic waste can be used for the construction
of boundary walls for homes, buildings, and other structures. They are
lightweight and easy to install, making them a practical choice for boundary
walls.

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● Pavements: Bricks from plastic waste can be used to construct pavements for
roads, footpaths, and other public areas. They are durable and can withstand
heavy foot traffic, making them ideal for pavements.

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 CHAPTER – 3
MATERIALS USED

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2. MATERIALS USED
2.1 SAND
Common river sand having specific gravity of 2.56 and fineness modulus of 2.805
is used.

2.1a PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATE

TABLE1: Physical Characteristics of Fine Aggregate

Particulars Test Results

Specific gravity 2.56
Apparent Specific gravity 2.7
Water Absorption 1.98
Bulk Density 1.497Kg/L
Fineness Modulus 2.805

2.2.PROPERTIES OF FINE AGGREGATE

When exposed to ambient solar radiation the plastic produces two greenhouse
gasses, methane and ethylene. Due to its low- density properties (branching) it
breaks down more easily over time, leading to higher surface areas. The supply of
glasses shall be of diagonal gasses from virgin LDPE increase with surface area or
time, with rates at the end of a 212day incubation of 5.8 nmol g­1 d-1 of methane,
14.5 nmol g-1 d-1 of ethylene, 3.9 nmol g-1 d1 of ethane and 9.7 nmol g-1 d-1 of
propylene. In case of air it was incubated, LDPE releases gasses in air by ~2 times
and ~76 times higher in comparison to water for methane and ethylene,
respectively.
Low density polyethylene, obtained from waste plastic bags, packaging materials,
plastic bottles having density of 0.91- 0.94 g/cm3, melting point at about 115
degree centigrade is used.

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TABLE2: Properties of Plastic Polyethylene

SL. No. Experiments Results

1 Density at 23⁰C 0.958
2 Elasticity Modulus 9
3 Tensile Creep Strength 8
4 Bending Creep Modulus 1
5 Tensile strength at 23⁰C 2
6 Elongation at break (%) >600
7 Thermal Conductivity 0
8 Ignition Temperature 3

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 CHAPTER – 4
METHODOLOGY

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4. METHODOLOGY:

➢ Collection of Materials
➢ Batching
➢ Melting
➢ Mixing
➢ Moulding
➢ Curing

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CHAPTER – 5
PROCEDURE

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5.1 Collection of Plastic Materials
The plastic material should be collected from the factories waste and hospital waste
and industries waste and also food packages and plastic bottles this will come
under the LDPE plastic type

5.2 Batching of plastic

Measurement of materials for making bricks is called batching. After collection of
materials we separate the types of plastic and remove any other waste presented in
the collected material and check that any water content in the sample collected then
proceed for burning. Before that the plastics are shredded into tiny pieces

5.3 Burning of waste plastic

After completion, shredding of the plastic waste was taken for burning in which the
plastic contents are dropped one by one into the container and allowed to melt.
These would be done in closed vessels to prevent the toxic gases released into the
atmosphere. These will be at the temperature of 120-150 degrees centigrade.

5.4 Mixing
Mixing of materials is essential for the production of uniform and strength for
brick. The mixing has to ensure that the mass becomes homogeneous, uniform in
color and consistency. Generally, there are two types of mixing, Hand mixing and
mechanical mixing. In this project, we adopted hand mixing. Until the entire
plastic content required for making plastic bricks of one mix proportion is added
into it. Then these plastic liquids are thoroughly mixed by using a trowel before it
hardens. The mixture has very short setting bags that are turned to molten state; the
river sand is added to it. The sand added is mixed time. Hence the mixing process
should not consume more time.

5.5 Moulding
After completion of proper mixing we place the mix into the required mould. In
these projects we use the normal brick sizes (19x9x9 cm). After 2 days remove the
brick from the mould and then do the curing.

5.6 Alternative method (This wasn't implemented in our project):

After the collection of LDPE plastics and batching them, the process changes, like
mentioned above, There are mechanical methods. Here there is no burning of
plastic, instead after the batching, the sand & the aggregates along with the
shredded plastic, are filled in an extruder machine. Here it heats up the entire
substance, and we get a byproduct of mixed sand, aggregates along with plastic as

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a clay like substance. This is now filled in the desired shape mould and compressed
by a hydraulic compressing machine. No curing is required.

Fig1. Plastic brick

Fig2. Mould of plastic brick

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 CHAPTER – 6
TESTS & RESULT

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 TESTING OF SPECIMEN

Compressive Strength Test:

This test is done to know the compressive strength of brick. It is also called
the crushing strength of brick. Generally, 3 specimens of bricks are taken to
the laboratory for testing and tested one by one. In this test, a brick specimen
is put on a compressive strength testing machine and applied pressure till it
breaks. The ultimate pressure at which brick is crushed is taken into account.
All three brick specimens are tested one by one and the average result is
taken as bricks compressive/crushing strength. The Compressive Strength of
the brick is calculated by the formula = (max load taken before failure/ Area
of the Brick surface) N/mm^2.

TABLE3: Compressive strength test result

PLASTIC BRICK MAXIMUM LOAD Compressive

KN Strength(kg/cm2 )
SAMPLE1 350 135.71
SAMPLE2 320 124.07
SAMPLE3 335 129.89

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WATER ABSORPTION:

This test is carried out to determine the amount of water absorbed by the
brick. As per IS:3495-Part 2-1992 , after immersed in cold water for a period
of 24 hours, water absorption shall not be more than 20 % for up to class
12.5and 15 % of weight for higher classes. Initially 3 bricks were taken and
all the loose particles were removed. Dry the bricks in a ventilated oven at a
temperature of 110℃ till the brick attains substantially constant weights.
Cooled the bricks at room temperature and took the weight of each sample
W1; then immersed the bricks in clean water at temperature of 25 ℃ to 29 ℃
for 24 hr and removed the specimen after 24 hr. wipe our water with damp
cloth & weight each sample W2. Finally the percentage of water absorbed for
each brick was calculated by the following formula. Water Absorption =
[(W2-W1)/W1)] x 100, W2= weight of soaked brick W1=weight of dry
brick.

TABLE4: Water absorption test result

PLASTIC W1 (kg) W2 (kg) WATER

BRICK ABSORPTION
SAMPLE1 3.053 3.082 0.949
SAMPLE2 2.958 2.997 1.318
SAMPLE3 3.014 3.051 1.227

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CHAPTER – 7
CONCLUSION

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 7. CONCLUSION

The construction of bricks from plastic waste is an innovative and sustainable

approach to addressing the growing problem of plastic waste management. This
approach offers several benefits for the construction industry, including low-cost
and lightweight building materials, reduction of environmental impact, and
conservation of natural resources. The manufacturing process involves several
stages, including collection, sorting, cleaning, shredding, melting, and molding,
which transforms plastic waste into durable and long-lasting building blocks.

One of the most significant advantages of using bricks from plastic is that they
offer a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials.
This approach contributes to the circular economy by reducing plastic waste and
recycling it to create a valuable building material. It also helps to conserve natural
resources like sand and clay that are traditionally used in brick-making, reducing
their depletion and environmental impact.

The potential scopes of using bricks from plastic in the construction industry are
vast, including low-cost housing, boundary walls, pavements, landscaping, and
temporary structures. These bricks are also lightweight, making them easy to
transport and install, thus reducing labor costs and construction time.

Despite some challenges associated with the production of bricks from plastic,
such as ensuring consistent quality and strength, the potential benefits of this
approach are numerous and have the potential to transform the construction
industry. Therefore, it is crucial to continue research and development of this
approach to enhance the quality and durability of these bricks and to promote their
adoption in the construction industry.

However, the production of bricks from plastic waste is not without challenges.
One of the main challenges is ensuring consistent quality and strength, as the
strength of the bricks may vary depending on the type and quality of the plastic
used, as well as the production process. Additionally, the cost and complexity of
the manufacturing process may be a barrier to widespread adoption in some
regions.

Research and development of this approach are ongoing to address these

challenges and enhance the quality and durability of these bricks. Efforts are also
being made to improve the supply chain and create a market for these bricks,
which can help to promote their adoption in the construction industry.

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CONCLUSION

In conclusion, This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize the

construction industry and promote sustainable practices and innovative solutions.
The manufacturing of bricks from plastic waste offers a promising and sustainable
solution to the challenges facing the construction industry while also contributing
to the protection of the environment. It is crucial to continue research and
development of this approach and promote its adoption in the construction industry
to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and promote sustainable
practices. By doing so, we can contribute to a better and more sustainable future
for all.

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 CHAPTER – 8
BIBLIOGRAPHY

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1. https://www.gjenge.co.ke/
2. https://www.jetir.org/ → A Study of Manufacturing Bricks Using
Plastic Wastes, Kingston Polytechnic College Paper.

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