Utilization of Plastic Polymers, Fish Waste, and Corn Husk Ash as Partial Additives in Sustainable Paver Blocks

Author

Rhenielle Anicca V. Ledesma, Danniela R. Magtalas, Precious Kate B. Pahunar, Jayson B. Eugelio, Clarence G. Mananguit


Abstract

 Plastic and organic waste continue to be a concern because of improper disposal and limited waste management practices. With this, the study used plastic polymers, fish waste, and corn husk ash as partial additives in producing paver blocks. Three mixtures were prepared for the experimental treatments. T1 contained 80% cement, with 10% corn husk ash, 5% plastic waste, and 5% ground fish waste. T2 contained 75% cement, 10% corn husk ash, 5% plastic waste, and 10% ground fish waste. In T3, the mixture consisted of 65% cement, 15% corn husk ash, 10% plastic waste, and 10% ground fish waste. Before mixing, the fish waste was pre-treated with hydrated lime, while the plastic waste was washed and shredded and the corn husks were processed into ash. The paver blocks were evaluated through water absorption, drop, flexural strength, and compressive strength tests. Water absorption was 4.96% for T1, 17.26% for T2, and 5.88% for T3. During the drop test, T1 showed only minor cracks after the third drop, while T2 developed major cracks and T3 experienced partial breakage. The flexural strength of T1 was 6.55 MPa, compared with 6.82 MPa for T2 and 7.36 MPa for T3. For compressive strength, T1 recorded 16.50 MPa, followed by T2 at 15.00 MPa and T3 at 11.74 MPa. T1 also recorded the lowest water absorption among the experimental treatments, showed the least damage during the drop test, and had the highest compressive strength. T3, on the other hand, obtained the highest flexural strength but the lowest compressive strength. The differences observed across the tests were associated with the varying proportions of cement and waste materials used in the mixtures. The study supports the use of plastic polymers, fish waste, and corn husk ash as partial additives in paver block production and their potential use in construction.



Keywords

Paver blocks, Plastic polymers, Fish waste, Corn husk ash, Compressive strength, Flexural strength, Water absorption, Drop test, Sustainable construction materials



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References


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