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<p>Traditional wall cladding materials such as natural stone (marble and granite), composite panels (porcelain and ceramic), metals (stainless steel to copper), and glass are typically too expensive for medium and low-income households in Tanzania. For instance, ceramic tiles in Tanzania, as reported by CTM Tanzania (a leading specialist retailer), cost approximately TZS 28,000 to 118,055.56 (USD 10.58 to 44.86) per square meter, typically higher than the approximately TZS 10,000 (USD 3.78) per square meter for locally produced composite wall cladding. This study investigated the potential of developing an affordable and sustainable alternative utilizing recycled PET plastic, sand, and steel fibers. The aim was to minimize construction costs and reduce waste by recycling non-biodegradable PET. To achieve this, laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of composites made from hot-blended PET plastic, sand, and recycled steel fibers. The density of composites, formulated with a constant PET-sand ratio and varying recycled steel fiber content, was directly associated with fiber concentration, increased from 1.622&#xa0;g/cm<sup>3</sup> (0% fibers) to 2.852&#xa0;g/cm<sup>3</sup> (5% fibers). Water absorption exhibited an interesting pattern: it initially decreased from 0.84% (0% fibers) to 0.65% (2% fibers), then rose dramatically from 1.8% (2.5% fibers) to 4.7% (5% fibers). The highest compressive strength, 22.8&#xa0;MPa, was achieved by a specimen containing 3% steel fibers. Additionally, impact tests exhibited the incorporation of 1–5% fiber content improving the material’s toughness, and enhancing stiffness. Petrographic analysis confirmed the even distribution of steel fibers within the matrix, which contributed to their increased strength. Based on the findings, an optimal composition of 1:1 PET-sand ratio, with steel fiber contents ranging from 2 to 3.5% is recommended for developing composite wall cladding materials. This mixture provides excellent mechanical properties and low water absorption. By repurposing these waste materials for wall cladding, we can mitigate environmental concerns and encourage eco-friendly construction, while providing a more affordable option for building projects. Further research is required, particularly regarding the scalability of production and long-term performance in various environmental conditions.</p>

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Improving strength of composite waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics wall cladding through reinforcing with waste tire steel fibers

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月20日

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  • Peter Laurian,
  • Duwa Hamisi Chengula,
  • Patrice Nyangi

摘要

Traditional wall cladding materials such as natural stone (marble and granite), composite panels (porcelain and ceramic), metals (stainless steel to copper), and glass are typically too expensive for medium and low-income households in Tanzania. For instance, ceramic tiles in Tanzania, as reported by CTM Tanzania (a leading specialist retailer), cost approximately TZS 28,000 to 118,055.56 (USD 10.58 to 44.86) per square meter, typically higher than the approximately TZS 10,000 (USD 3.78) per square meter for locally produced composite wall cladding. This study investigated the potential of developing an affordable and sustainable alternative utilizing recycled PET plastic, sand, and steel fibers. The aim was to minimize construction costs and reduce waste by recycling non-biodegradable PET. To achieve this, laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the physical and mechanical properties of composites made from hot-blended PET plastic, sand, and recycled steel fibers. The density of composites, formulated with a constant PET-sand ratio and varying recycled steel fiber content, was directly associated with fiber concentration, increased from 1.622 g/cm3 (0% fibers) to 2.852 g/cm3 (5% fibers). Water absorption exhibited an interesting pattern: it initially decreased from 0.84% (0% fibers) to 0.65% (2% fibers), then rose dramatically from 1.8% (2.5% fibers) to 4.7% (5% fibers). The highest compressive strength, 22.8 MPa, was achieved by a specimen containing 3% steel fibers. Additionally, impact tests exhibited the incorporation of 1–5% fiber content improving the material’s toughness, and enhancing stiffness. Petrographic analysis confirmed the even distribution of steel fibers within the matrix, which contributed to their increased strength. Based on the findings, an optimal composition of 1:1 PET-sand ratio, with steel fiber contents ranging from 2 to 3.5% is recommended for developing composite wall cladding materials. This mixture provides excellent mechanical properties and low water absorption. By repurposing these waste materials for wall cladding, we can mitigate environmental concerns and encourage eco-friendly construction, while providing a more affordable option for building projects. Further research is required, particularly regarding the scalability of production and long-term performance in various environmental conditions.