Oz Kira

The accumulation of agricultural plastic waste, particularly high-density polyethylene (HDPE) irrigation pipes, poses significant environmental challenges due to their persistence and limited recycling routes. At the same time, the construction industry faces growing demands for sustainable practices and reduced reliance on natural aggregates. This research explores the incorporation of chemically treated agricultural HDPE waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete, with a focus on improving the interfacial bond between the plastic particles and the cement paste. The study includes surface treatments applied systematically to shredded HDPE to modify its hydrophobicity and improve adhesion within the cementitious matrix. Treated HDPE aggregates were then incorporated into concrete mixtures at varying replacement levels to evaluate fresh and hardened properties. Mechanical tests were conducted, complemented by SEM imaging of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ). Certain treatments demonstrated superior efficiency, enabling the development of concrete mixes with strengths and ductility comparable to, or even higher than, those of control specimens with natural aggregates. This study highlights the dual environmental and engineering benefits of reusing agricultural plastic waste in concrete. By optimizing surface treatment methods, the research provides a pathway for sustainable material design that diverts plastic waste from landfills and enhances the performance of eco-friendly concrete suitable for structural and non-structural applications.