Performance evaluation of mortars incorporating recycled ceramic powder and low-density polyethylene: An experimental study

In the efforts for eco-friendly and affordable substitutes, the construction industry uses recycled waste materials like ceramics and plastic, which can be used as reinforcement filler to address environmental problems from composites. This study is focused on evaluating the feasibility of industrial by-products for improving the properties of mortar using ceramic and plastic waste as partial replacements for cement and sand. The effect of using two wastes on density, compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity and high temperature behavior of mortar were evaluated for the different mortar mixes, as well as characterization analyses, were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings prove that the heat-insulating capacity of mortar at high temperatures can be significantly increased through a waste ceramic application. Furthermore, the pozzolanic reactivity of the ceramic waste was detected by decreases in portlandite content and variations in hydration products, thermal phases, and mineral phases of the studied mortar, as observed using XRD, TGA/DSC, and FTIR measurements. It was also shown that plastic waste added to ceramic waste can effectively minimise capillary water absorption. This work provides applicable technical and environmental benefits for creating sustainable mortar using this waste.