OPTIMIZING CLAY BRICKS WITH HDPE AND POLYETHYLENE PET AS A SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

The construction industry's quest for sustainable materials drives the investigation into novel additives to enhance clay brick performance. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) polymers hold promise, yet their impact on porosity and water absorption in varying grain sizes remains underexplored. They incorporated HDPE and PET polymers in diverse proportions and grain sizes into unfired clay bricks, examining the resulting changes in porosity and water absorption through bulk density measurements, microscopy, and capillary water absorption coefficient analysis. Polymer additives, particularly delta <= 1 mm PET, significantly reduce porosity, enhancing brick performance. The capillary water absorption coefficient establishes a direct link between polymer content and increased porosity. As polymer proportions rise, so does brick porosity, offering a nuanced understanding of the relationship. SEM analysis highlights PET mortar's consistent, low- porosity structure, underscoring the potential for sustainable construction materials. This study provides crucial insights for future developments in eco-friendly construction practices. In summary, the integration of HDPE and PET polymers presents a promising avenue for advancing sustainable construction materials, offering a balance between enhanced performance and environmental considerations.