Production and Characterization of Sand-Plastic Composite Floor Tiles

Abstract

The amount of plastic waste generated in developing nations like Nigeria is increasing day by day, which is nonbiodegradable and causes environmental pollution. Among the plastics used, low-density polyethylene is abundant. These plastics can be removed from the environment and recycled into useful products. In this study, low-density polyethylene plastic waste was utilized in the manufacture of floor tiles to curb its generation. The tiles were produced by mixing fine sand with molten plastic waste in different proportions. The physical and mechanical properties of the floor tiles such as water absorption, density, tensile and compressive tests, modulus of elasticity as well as impact strength and friction tests were investigated. The water absorption ranged from 0.02 - 0.38 %(m/m), while the density varied between 998.5 and 1289 kg/m³. The tensile strength and modulus of elasticity fell within the range of 0.050 to 0.232 MPa and 0.924 to 2.806 MPa, respectively. This result proved the applicability of recycled plastic waste in the formulation of floor tiles.