RECYCLING PLASTICS IN POLYMER CONCRETE SYSTEMS FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

Recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, mainly recovered from beverage bottles, can be used to produce unsaturated polyester resins. The mechanical and durability properties of polymer concrete (PC) systems made with these resins have been investigated. The properties of PC using resins based on recycled PET are comparable to those PCs made from virgin materials. Resins using recycled PET offer the possibility of a lower source cost for forming useful PC-based products. Also, the recycling of PET in PC would help alleviate an environmental problem and would save energy. Potential applications for such PC materials include precast components; repair materials for portland cement concrete; and bridge, wall, and floor overlays.