Production and Characterization of Bricks from Bottom Ash and Textile Sludge Using Plastic Waste as Binding Agent

Abstract

The production of traditional clay bricks consumes a large amount of energy and resources and can lead to the depletion of natural resources like clay. On the contrary, the improper disposal of waste materials such as bottom ash, textile sludge, and plastic waste can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. Bricks and concrete blocks have been widely used in construction, but the continuous exploitation of raw materials can negatively impact the environment. This study aimed to produce bricks made from municipal solid waste, incinerated bottom ash, and textile sludge, using plastic waste as a binder. It assessed the potential use of these bricks as an alternative material for brick block production. The physical and chemical characteristics of the raw materials were determined using standard test methods. The crushed plastic waste was melted and mixed with dried textile sludge and bottom ash in various ratios, including 1 : 1 : 1, 2 : 1 : 1, 1 : 2 : 1, 1 : 1 : 2, and 1 : 2 : 2 for plastic, municipal incinerated bottom ash, and textile sludge, respectively. The mixed sample was then placed into molds until it dried, and the resulting bricks were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, efflorescence, and leachability. The results indicated that the bricks had suitable physical and chemical properties, with compressive strength ranging from 8.527 to 16.4 MPa and water absorption percentages ranging from 1.3 to 3.4%. Slight efflorescence was observed for the 1 : 2 : 2 ratios. The production of traditional clay bricks consumes a large amount of energy and resources and can lead to the depletion of natural resources like clay. On the other hand, the improper disposal of waste materials such as bottom ash, textile sludge, and plastic waste can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards.