PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF COMPOSITE TILES FROM POLYPROPYLENE (PLASTIC WASTE), RIVER SAND AND CRUMB WASTE TYRE.

Author

Ruya Pankyes Datep, A.M Kolo, D.A Ajiya, Warji Muhammad Ibrahim

Abstract

 The accumulation of waste polypropylene, uncontrolled river-sand extraction, and stockpiling of end-of-life vehicle tyres are three growing waste-management and resource-depletion problems in the construction sector, yet most existing recycled-tile studies address only two of these waste streams at a time. This study investigated the production and characterization of composite floor tiles fabricated from a ternary blend of waste polypropylene (PP), river sand, and crumb waste-tyre rubber, aimed at developing a durable, low-cost, cement-free flooring material while diverting all three waste streams from disposal. Waste PP was collected, sorted, washed, and melted at 170–190 °C to serve as the binding matrix; river sand was washed, dried, and characterized for moisture content, particle-size distribution, Atterberg limits, and specific gravity; and waste tyres were mechanically shredded into crumb rubber below 1 mm. Three composite mixes (S1, S2, S3) with varying PP–sand–crumb-rubber proportions were cast into 50 mm tile moulds and evaluated for density, water absorption, compressive strength, impact resistance, fire resistance, and chemical resistance in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. The developed tiles achieved water absorption of 2.3–4.3%, compressive strength of 150.9–229.6 N/mm², density of approximately 1690–1760 kg/m³, and impact resistance of 33–40 kN, with all mixes showing negligible mass loss and no visible deterioration after fire- and chemical-resistance exposure. The mix containing the highest PP content (S3) generally gave the best combination of low water absorption and high compressive strength, while the 50% PP mix (S2) gave the best chemical and thermal stability. The results demonstrate that PP–sand–crumb-rubber composite tiles are technically feasible as a sustainable, cement-free alternative to conventional flooring materials. Pilot-scale production trials and long-term durability testing are recommended before commercial adoption, alongside a cost–benefit comparison against conventional cement and ceramic tiles.

Keywords

polypropylene; plastic waste; river sand; crumb rubber; waste tyre; composite floor tiles; sustainable construction materials

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References

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