Pavers sustentáveis de plástico e areia: alternativa ecológica e durável

Abstract

The growing presence of plastic waste in urban areas, especially in rivers and lakes, is a serious environmental problem. The situation is particularly critical in the North, where plastic consumption and disposal are high. In Manaus, for example, more than 2,500 tons of plastic were collected in June 2022, an increase of 150% compared to 2021, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions to manage this waste. In addition, the durability of plastic, an advantageous property in many uses, becomes an environmental challenge when disposed of inappropriately. In view of this, the search for alternatives for disposing of this waste is fundamental, with a view to technological, economic and environmental benefits. In this way, recycling and reusing plastic has become a promising solution for this waste that lasts for more than 100 years. In this sense, the use of plastic waste in the manufacture of interlocking pavers represents an innovative solution. This approach adds value to a material that causes serious environmental impacts, while at the same time giving the pavers useful physical, chemical and mechanical properties for civil construction, especially in paving works. In this dissertation, the methodology adopted consisted of collecting, treating and processing plastic waste in order to make a sand-polymer composite by heating it in proportions of 25% to 35% plastic. The results obtained in mechanical and water absorption tests showed that the sand-polymer composite preserves characteristics similar to traditional pavers, as well as having ten times less absorption. This study therefore contributes to understanding the potential of reusing plastic waste to create sustainable materials for the construction industry. In addition, the proposal has the innovation of reducing the harmful effects of plastic on the environment and is therefore a viable and environmentally friendly alternative.