Polymer concrete modified by nano-silica particles, waste PET fibers and gamma rays

Abstract

Due to the increasing amount of plastic waste generated year after year, it is necessary to take measures to control this waste and prevent it from accumulating and damaging the environment. To solve these problems, the recycling and reuse of plastic waste have been carried out in the production of composite materials. One of the most novel proposals is the use of high energies, such as gamma rays, to modify and improve the physical and chemical properties of plastic waste. Therefore, in this work, the effects of gamma radiation and nano-silica particles in polymer concretes elaborated with aged polyester resin, silica sand, and waste PET fiber were evaluated. The results show improvements in flexural strength, flexural modulus, and deformation at fracture in the irradiated concretes.