Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments

Abstract Using plastic materials in cementitious matrices has spurred studies with the potential for sustainable concrete production. This study investigated the effect of high- density polyethylene (HDPE) on the compressive behavior of concrete in sulphates and acidic environments. The HDPE was pul...

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Main Authors: Iorwuese Anum, Frank Ndanusa Williams, Wyom Paul Zakka, Namala Amuga Keftin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-02-01
Series:Discover Civil Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44290-025-00202-2
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author Iorwuese Anum
Frank Ndanusa Williams
Wyom Paul Zakka
Namala Amuga Keftin
author_facet Iorwuese Anum
Frank Ndanusa Williams
Wyom Paul Zakka
Namala Amuga Keftin
author_sort Iorwuese Anum
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Using plastic materials in cementitious matrices has spurred studies with the potential for sustainable concrete production. This study investigated the effect of high- density polyethylene (HDPE) on the compressive behavior of concrete in sulphates and acidic environments. The HDPE was pulverised and chemically treated with 20% hydrogen peroxide. The admixture was then added by the weight of cement in percentages (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) to make concrete of 25 and 50 grades using 150mm3 steel moulds. Water-to-cement ratios of 0.4 and 0.36 were chosen. The cubes were initially cured in water for 28 days before being immersed in 10% tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid and 10% magnesium sulphate for 7, 28, and 90 days. The Strength Deterioration Factor (SDF) was then determined. The findings revealed that after 90 days of exposure, grade M25 cubes lost a maximum of 85.20% of their strength, while grade M50 cubes lost 76.69%. However, resistance to sulphate attack decreased with HDPE dose; grade M25 cubes showed the lowest strength loss of 5.7%, while grade M50 cubes showed the lowest strength loss of 4.67% both with 1% HDPE by weight of cement. The study concluded that pulverised and treated HDPE could improve concrete's resistance to sulphates. The study’s insights portend significant prospects for the production of sulphate-resistant cement while reducing the menace of plastic waste disposal. The study recommends the use of 1% pulverised HDPE by weight of cement for the production of concrete in sulphate resilient infrastructures.
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spelling doaj-art-25825214e2e3445db734cb4e1a04bfeb2025-08-20T02:59:29ZengSpringerDiscover Civil Engineering2948-15462025-02-012111610.1007/s44290-025-00202-2Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environmentsIorwuese Anum0Frank Ndanusa Williams1Wyom Paul Zakka2Namala Amuga Keftin3Department of Building, Modibbo Adama UniversityDepartment of Building, University of JosDepartment of Building, University of JosDepartment of Building, Modibbo Adama UniversityAbstract Using plastic materials in cementitious matrices has spurred studies with the potential for sustainable concrete production. This study investigated the effect of high- density polyethylene (HDPE) on the compressive behavior of concrete in sulphates and acidic environments. The HDPE was pulverised and chemically treated with 20% hydrogen peroxide. The admixture was then added by the weight of cement in percentages (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) to make concrete of 25 and 50 grades using 150mm3 steel moulds. Water-to-cement ratios of 0.4 and 0.36 were chosen. The cubes were initially cured in water for 28 days before being immersed in 10% tetraoxosulphate (vi) acid and 10% magnesium sulphate for 7, 28, and 90 days. The Strength Deterioration Factor (SDF) was then determined. The findings revealed that after 90 days of exposure, grade M25 cubes lost a maximum of 85.20% of their strength, while grade M50 cubes lost 76.69%. However, resistance to sulphate attack decreased with HDPE dose; grade M25 cubes showed the lowest strength loss of 5.7%, while grade M50 cubes showed the lowest strength loss of 4.67% both with 1% HDPE by weight of cement. The study concluded that pulverised and treated HDPE could improve concrete's resistance to sulphates. The study’s insights portend significant prospects for the production of sulphate-resistant cement while reducing the menace of plastic waste disposal. The study recommends the use of 1% pulverised HDPE by weight of cement for the production of concrete in sulphate resilient infrastructures.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44290-025-00202-2AdmixturesChemicalsConcreteCompressive strengthHigh density polyethylenePulverised
spellingShingle Iorwuese Anum
Frank Ndanusa Williams
Wyom Paul Zakka
Namala Amuga Keftin
Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments
Discover Civil Engineering
Admixtures
Chemicals
Concrete
Compressive strength
High density polyethylene
Pulverised
title Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments
title_full Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments
title_fullStr Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments
title_full_unstemmed Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments
title_short Effects of treated high-density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments
title_sort effects of treated high density polyethylene admixtures on the compressive strength of concrete in sulphates and acids environments
topic Admixtures
Chemicals
Concrete
Compressive strength
High density polyethylene
Pulverised
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44290-025-00202-2
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AT wyompaulzakka effectsoftreatedhighdensitypolyethyleneadmixturesonthecompressivestrengthofconcreteinsulphatesandacidsenvironments
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