Determining the Potential of High-Density Polyethylene as Conductor Casing Cement Extender

The growing use of numerous plastic products is one of the most serious severe environmental issues. Large amounts of plastic garbage and its limited biodegradability have a detrimental effect on the environment. Plastic use increased from 335 to 348 million tons in 2017–2018. By 2030, this demand should reach 485 million tons. The use of lightweight particles as a cement extender for the Petroleum industry has been used as a common additive to increase the volume of produced cement slurry. By doing so, it can reduce the cost of slurry. This research aims to determine and evaluate the effects of powdered High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) as a cement extender in terms of its physical properties: (1) Density, (2) Yield, and (3) Setting Time; and Mechanical Property: (1) Compressive Strength. HDPE plastics will undergo shredding and pulverizing to achieve its powdered form. The powdered HDPE is mixed with the cement creating four different ratios: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. This study concluded that the optimal ratio for the physical properties is the 15% HDPE-Cement. However, it was also observed that 5% gives the optimal ratio for the mechanical property.