Recycling of plastic waste: determination of the thermal and mechanical properties of panels made from plastic waste (plastic bottles and polystyrene)

In Africa in general and in Ivory Coast in particular, the production of large quantities of non-biodegradable waste, including plastic packaging waste (bottles and bags, polystyrene, etc.), thrown into nature and drained by runoff water into the oceans poses numerous environmental problems but also economic losses. The recovery of this packaging waste would be an avenue that offers an innovative solution, both ecological and economical. The work consists of making a panel from plastic packaging and lateritic earth. The use of polystyrene and glass in materials is not new.

In the methodological framework, the collection and processing of raw materials, the making of the panels, as well as the physical and mechanical characterization of the panels made from plastic packaging waste made it possible to highlight the results of this study. It appears that plastic packaging waste improves the thermal and mechanical performance of the panels. The thermal conductivity drops from 0.44667 to 0.2367 (W.m-1.K). These panels can be used for thermal insulation. All panels manufactured have mechanical properties that meet the ANSIA208.1 – 2016 standard.

Thus, the recovery of waste (polystyrene and plastic bottles and bags) presents itself as an important issue in the protection of the environment and especially the reduction of plastic pollution of the oceans.

Keywords: Plastic waste, panels, lateritic earth, polystyrene, plastic bottles