Utilisation of Plastifying and Fluxing Wastes of Plastics and Eggshell Powder in Manufacture of Eco-Friendly Floor Tiles

Abstract

This study addresses the possibility of utilizing polypropylene plastics and eggshell wastes in the manufacture of eco-friendly floor tiles. Therefore, the research is part of the ongoing hunt for establishing sustainable alternatives for disposing off plastic and eggshell wastes around the globe. In this study polypropylene plastic wastes (PPW) are melted and used as a binder to eggshell powder (ESP) acting as a flux in the matrix. These are combined with fine aggregates. Three ternary mixes of PPW-ESP-Sand are made in the proportions of 50–0–50%, 55–10–35%, and 60–20–20%. Thirty six sample tiles of size 250 mm x 250 mm x 8 mm are cast. The physical properties of PPW, ESP, and sand are first established. Then, the effect of this PPW and ESP on the flexural strength, impact resistance, density, and water absorption of floor tiles made are investigated. Specifically, the bulk density of PPW, ESP and sand were 370, 1280, and 1700 Kg/m3 and specific gravities were 0.93, 2.54, and 2.64 respectively. Meanwhile, PPW–ESP–Sand mix of 60-20-20% had the lowest water absorption at 0.15% and also the lowest density of 1570Kg/m3, and the highest modulus of rupture of 11.7kN/mm2 compared to conventional ceramic tile at 3.9KN/mm2. The tile manufactured from the mix of 60-20-20% also exhibited the highest resistance to impact damage although all samples had a coefficient of restitution (e=0). In conclusion, the study presents a novel finding of combining two wastes replacing conventional non-renewable resources of clay and feldspar to produce eco-friendly tiles. Therefore, implementing the findings will facilitate achieving United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG), i.e. goal 12 of responsible consumption and production.