Effect of coconut fiber on low-density polyethylene plastic-sand paver blocks

Abstract

The experimental research object was low-density polyethene (LDPE) waste plastic as a binding material in the production of LDPE bonded sand paver blocks. The LDPE waste plastic was melted in the open air and mixed with sand to form paver blocks. LDPE to sand ratio, percentage of coconut fibers, and sand particle size was varied. The compressive strength, water absorption and density of paver blocks were measured. It was observed that the incorporation of coconut fiber proportion at 3% improved compressive strength by 18.4% and reduced water absorption by 54.1%. The best experimental results were observed at LDPE to sand ratio of 30:70, whereas the finest sand gives the highest compressive strength. The sustainable paver blocks developed in this research can be used in water-clogged areas.