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Valorisation of LDPE Waste Reinforced with PET as a Binder in Development of Construction Materials

Received: 13 July 2026     Accepted: 25 July 2026     Published: 29 September 2026
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Abstract

The proliferation of plastic waste represents one of the major environmental challenges facing modern society. This study aims to valorise lightweight plastic waste, which is currently subject to low recycling rates, in order to reduce its environmental impact. To this end, a mixture of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste was melted at a temperature of 250°C. Following complete melting, sand was incorporated into the molten polymer, and the mixture was progressively mixed until a homogeneous paste was obtained. Composite materials were produced with plastic contents of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, the remainder consisting of sand. The resulting paste was then cast into moulds and compacted using an electric impact compactor applying 60 blows per mould. The manufactured materials were subsequently subjected to physical and mechanical testing. The best performance was achieved by the formulations containing 40% and 50% plastic. The corresponding compressive strengths reached 10.13 MPa and 21.85 MPa, respectively, while the flexural strengths were 4.33 MPa and 10.55 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of the developed composites comply with the requirements of the relevant standards. These findings demonstrate that the developed materials have significant potential for use in road pavement applications.

Published in Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering (Volume 11, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14
Page(s) 93-102
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Low-density Polyethylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Sand, Compressive Strength, Flexural Strength

References
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[2] Awoyera, P. O., Adesina, A., & Omole, D. O. (2022). Using plastic sand as a construction material toward a circular economy: A review. Sustainability, 14(11), 6446.
[3] Carrega, G., 2012. Plastics: Properties, Processing and Industrial Applications of Polymeric Materials. 3rd ed. Paris: Dunod/L’Usine Nouvelle.
[4] Chateigner, D., 2012. Strength of materials. Course notes for the IUT Physical Measurements Department, University of Caen Basse-Normandie, CRISMAT-ENSICAEN Laboratory, 39 p.
[5] CREABETON, 2016. Concrete Pavements: Technical Data of CreaBeton Materials. Technical data sheet, 52 p.
[6] CERIB, 2009. Roads and Public Works: Guide to the Construction of Structures Made from Precast Concrete Pavers, Slabs, Kerbs and Channels. Technical guide, 92 p.
[7] Desroches, A., 1983. Introduction of the Probability Law of the Coefficient of Variation in the Applications of the Strength-Stress Method. Revue de Statistique Appliquee, 31(3), pp. 17–26.
[8] Fontanille, M., Gnanou, Y., 2014. Chemistry and Physical Chemistry of Polymers. 3rd ed. Paris: Dunod, 576 p.
[9] Ganiron, T. U., 2014. Effect of thermoplastic as fine aggregate to concrete mixture. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology. Vol .62, pp. 31-42.
[10] Gatine, 2011. Surfacing Materials: Paving Stones and Slabs. Guide to Surfacing Materials and Small Urban Furniture for Public Spaces. Technical guide, 12 p.
[11] Geyer, R., Jamberck JR, Law KL., 2017. Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science advances 3(7): 1-5.
[12] Guendouz, M., Debieb, F., Boukendakdji, O., Kadri, E. H., Bentchikou, M., Soualhi, H., 2016. Use of plastic waste in sand concrete. J. Mater. Environ. Sci. 7. pp. 382-389.
[13] Kowanou, H., 2014. Use of Plastic Waste in Construction: Case of Plastic Bags. PhD Thesis No. 38/DU, Materials and Structures. University of Abomey-Calavi.
[14] Ndepete, C. P., Zaguy-Guerembo, R., Gbongo, A. M. D., Regakouzou, L. M.-P., Namndouta, V. O. N., & Kpeou-Kolengue, J., 2022. Valorisation of plastic waste into construction materials. European Scientific Journal, ESJ, 18(21), pp. 317–329.
[15] OECD, 2022. Plastic pollution is growing relentlessly as waste management and recycling lag behind. OECD Environment. Available at:
[16] Praveen, M., Shibi, V., Thomas, P., Eldho, V., 2013. Recycled plastics as coarse aggregate for structural concrete. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology Vol. 2, Issue 3. pp. 684-690.
[17] Ployaert, I. C., 2009. Concrete Durability through Control of Water Absorption. Bulletin of the Belgian Cement Federation, 16 p..
[18] Sizing, B., Koledzi, K. E., Krou, M. N., Sema, A. M., 2023. Physico-chemical characterisation of plastic waste in the Togolese marine environment with a view to recovery. Journal of Chemical, Biological and Physical Sciences. Vol. 13, No. I; 153-165.
[19] Thiam, M., Fall, M., Diop, B., & Ba, M. (2021). Engineering properties of a building material with melted plastic waste as the only binder. Case Studies in Construction Materials, 15, e00669.
[20] Traore, B., 2018. Development and Characterisation of a Composite Structure (Sand and Recycled Plastic Waste): Improvement of Strength Using Clay Fillers. PhD Thesis, Felix Houphouët-Boigny University, Geomaterials.
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Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Sizing, B., Krou, N. M., Walada, P., Hundjoe, K. S., Afanou, L. A., et al. (2026). Valorisation of LDPE Waste Reinforced with PET as a Binder in Development of Construction Materials. Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering, 11(3), 93-102. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14

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    ACS Style

    Sizing, B.; Krou, N. M.; Walada, P.; Hundjoe, K. S.; Afanou, L. A., et al. Valorisation of LDPE Waste Reinforced with PET as a Binder in Development of Construction Materials. J. Energy Environ. Chem. Eng. 2026, 11(3), 93-102. doi: 10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14

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    AMA Style

    Sizing B, Krou NM, Walada P, Hundjoe KS, Afanou LA, et al. Valorisation of LDPE Waste Reinforced with PET as a Binder in Development of Construction Materials. J Energy Environ Chem Eng. 2026;11(3):93-102. doi: 10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14

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  • @article{10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14,
      author = {Badjagoma Sizing and Nitale M'Balikine Krou and Patapissi Walada and Kokou Semeho Hundjoe and Lazare Ablam Afanou and Afeke Abotsi and Alaki-Massimpatom Sema and Edem Komi Koledzi},
      title = {Valorisation of LDPE Waste Reinforced with PET as a Binder in Development of Construction Materials},
      journal = {Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering},
      volume = {11},
      number = {3},
      pages = {93-102},
      doi = {10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.jeece.20261103.14},
      abstract = {The proliferation of plastic waste represents one of the major environmental challenges facing modern society. This study aims to valorise lightweight plastic waste, which is currently subject to low recycling rates, in order to reduce its environmental impact. To this end, a mixture of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste was melted at a temperature of 250°C. Following complete melting, sand was incorporated into the molten polymer, and the mixture was progressively mixed until a homogeneous paste was obtained. Composite materials were produced with plastic contents of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, the remainder consisting of sand. The resulting paste was then cast into moulds and compacted using an electric impact compactor applying 60 blows per mould. The manufactured materials were subsequently subjected to physical and mechanical testing. The best performance was achieved by the formulations containing 40% and 50% plastic. The corresponding compressive strengths reached 10.13 MPa and 21.85 MPa, respectively, while the flexural strengths were 4.33 MPa and 10.55 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of the developed composites comply with the requirements of the relevant standards. These findings demonstrate that the developed materials have significant potential for use in road pavement applications.},
     year = {2026}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Valorisation of LDPE Waste Reinforced with PET as a Binder in Development of Construction Materials
    AU  - Badjagoma Sizing
    AU  - Nitale M'Balikine Krou
    AU  - Patapissi Walada
    AU  - Kokou Semeho Hundjoe
    AU  - Lazare Ablam Afanou
    AU  - Afeke Abotsi
    AU  - Alaki-Massimpatom Sema
    AU  - Edem Komi Koledzi
    Y1  - 2026/09/29
    PY  - 2026
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14
    DO  - 10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14
    T2  - Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
    JF  - Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
    JO  - Journal of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering
    SP  - 93
    EP  - 102
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2637-434X
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.jeece.20261103.14
    AB  - The proliferation of plastic waste represents one of the major environmental challenges facing modern society. This study aims to valorise lightweight plastic waste, which is currently subject to low recycling rates, in order to reduce its environmental impact. To this end, a mixture of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste was melted at a temperature of 250°C. Following complete melting, sand was incorporated into the molten polymer, and the mixture was progressively mixed until a homogeneous paste was obtained. Composite materials were produced with plastic contents of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%, the remainder consisting of sand. The resulting paste was then cast into moulds and compacted using an electric impact compactor applying 60 blows per mould. The manufactured materials were subsequently subjected to physical and mechanical testing. The best performance was achieved by the formulations containing 40% and 50% plastic. The corresponding compressive strengths reached 10.13 MPa and 21.85 MPa, respectively, while the flexural strengths were 4.33 MPa and 10.55 MPa, respectively. The mechanical properties of the developed composites comply with the requirements of the relevant standards. These findings demonstrate that the developed materials have significant potential for use in road pavement applications.
    VL  - 11
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Laboratory for Waste Management, Treatment and Recovery (GTVD), Faculty of Science, University of Lome, Lome, Togo;Department of Physics and Chemistry, Higher Teacher Training College of Atakpame, Atakpame, Togo

  • Laboratory of Organic Chemistry and Environmental Science (LaCOSE), Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Kara, Kara, Togo

  • Reinforced Concrete Laboratory, Polytechnic School of Lome, University of Lome, Togo

  • Laboratory for Waste Management, Treatment and Recovery (GTVD), Faculty of Science, University of Lome, Lome, Togo

  • Laboratory for Waste Management, Treatment and Recovery (GTVD), Faculty of Science, University of Lome, Lome, Togo

  • Laboratory for Waste Management, Treatment and Recovery (GTVD), Faculty of Science, University of Lome, Lome, Togo

  • Laboratory for Waste Management, Treatment and Recovery (GTVD), Faculty of Science, University of Lome, Lome, Togo

  • Laboratory for Waste Management, Treatment and Recovery (GTVD), Faculty of Science, University of Lome, Lome, Togo;Regional Centre of Excellence on Sustainable Cities in Africa (CERViDA-DOUNEDON), University of Lome, Lome Togo

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