Fabrication des briques écologiques

Abstract

This study falls within the framework of valorizing non-biodegradable plastic waste through its use in the production of eco-friendly bricks. The project aims to develop a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional construction materials by exploring the use of recycled thermoplastic polymers, particularly PET, as a substitute binder for cement. The objective is to design innovative bricks by also incorporating mineral additives (crushed glass, iron, date pits) and construction sand, in order to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources, limit greenhouse gas emissions associated with cement production, and promote plastic waste recycling in a circular economy approach. Various formulations combining recycled plastic, construction sand, crushed glass, iron, and date pits were developed to enhance the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of the resulting bricks. The use of these additives aimed to reinforce the structure, reduce porosity, and improve overall durability. Physical and mechanical characterization included compression and flexural strength testing, hardness (using the Vickers method), density, water retention, thermal conductivity (HFC), and surface roughness. In addition, advanced analyses were conducted for a more in-depth material characterization. Microscopic observation was used to study the microstructure, X-ray diffraction (XRD) helped identify the crystalline phases, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to analyze the chemical bonds and functional groups present in the materials. The final formulation incorporating PET, PE, sand, glass, and iron achieved the best results: