Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Sustainable Composite Building Materials Produced by the Reprocessing of Low-Density Polyethylene, Biochar, Calcium Phosphate, and Phosphogypsum Wastes

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the experimental and analytical studies of the mechanical and thermal properties of laterite composites mixed with reprocessed low-density polyethylene waste (LDPE), calcium phosphate (CaP) and phosphogypsum wastes, and biochar to form brick composites. Bricks with mixtures of 20% by volume LDPE, 15% by volume CaP, and 15% by volume gypsum were shown to have excellent compressive strength, flexural strength, and fracture toughness. The composites with 1% by volume LDPE and 15% by volume biochar had the best blend of mechanical properties, such as flexural strength and fracture toughness, after sintering for ∼24 h. There was a linear association between the strength and the weight loss of the bricks. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy images revealed evidence of crack bridging by LDPE particles. The laterite–LDPE composite mixed with 5%, 10%, and 15% by volume biochar had sintering temperatures of ∼850°C, ∼720°C, and ∼710°C, respectively, after undergoing softening, cold crystallization, and cooling.