The impact of expanded polystyrene waste of different fineness on the properties of lightweight composite

Abstract

Expanded polystyrene (EP) is widely used as a packaging material for many types of goods. However, once the material is used, it is disposed of in landfills, where it can remain intact for the lifetime of several generations. Recycling of disposed EP packaging is of high relevance worldwide. The main objective of this study is to make a more detailed research into the effect of EP aggregate waste of different fineness and shape on physical and mechanical properties of porous lightweight aggregates concrete (PLWAC) with EP waste aggregates. Tests were done with Portland cement, EP waste of different fractions, resulted from crushing (EPR) and cutting (EPU), metakaolin, superplasticizer and air entraining admixture. Six batches of PLWAC specimens were formed with different EPR/EPU ratios, ranging from 0.5 to 3.The change in EPR/EPU ratio in PLWAC leads to structural changes and density reduction from 550 to 410 kg/m3 after drying. When EPR/EPU ratio in the PLWAC is increased to 2, the compressive strength of the specimens drops from 2.3 to 1.75 MPa and down to 0.55 MPa, when EPR/EPU ratio is increased to 3.