Investigation of the use of plastic wastes as a fiber in mortars

Plastics contain substances such as coal, gas and crude oil that have hazardous harmfull effects on the environment. Accumulation of waste plastics in nature after using causes both visual pollution and negatively affects the living things and the soil in the environment. In addition, recycling and reusing of plastic wastes have been the subject of literature studies since plastic degradation in nature takes long years under normal conditions. Plastic waste materials are also used in the mortar and concrete production in the construction industry. This thesis study covers the evaluation of PVC waste as fiber in the mortar and the effect of this waste material on the mortar properties. Waste PVC fibers were mixed In the mortar by 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% by volume of total mortar. Silica fume and micro silica were used as pozzolanic binders and replaced cement in varying proportions such as 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% by weight. Physical and mechanical properties of fresh and hardened mortars were examined. In the case of fresh properties flow table diameter and fresh unit weight tests were conducted on the speciment. for the determination of hardened properties the bulk density, water absorption, porosity, flexural strength, compressive strength and capillary water absorption tests were conducted. At the same time, the stress-strain behavior of the mortars were examined, and the modulus of elasticity, toughness and resistance values were determined based on the stress-strain curves.