Waste Aggregate with Pet Sludge for Use in Construction

In an era marked by heightened environmental awareness, the quest for sustainable waste management solutions has become paramount. This chapter investigates the potential of utilizing PET sludge, a byproduct of PET bottle pre-washing, in the production of construction aggregates. The study begins by contextualizing the global push towards a circular economy, highlighting the European Union's directives on sustainable development and waste reduction. The research focuses on the integration of PET sludge with post-coal clay to create waste aggregates, offering an alternative to traditional construction materials. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the materials used, including the physicochemical properties of post-coal clay from the KWB Belchatow mine and the composition of PET sludge. The experimental process involves drying, grinding, and mixing the materials in various proportions, followed by aggregate formation and analysis. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is employed to assess the elemental composition and homogenization of the aggregate components. The results indicate a uniform distribution of PET waste within the aggregate, with no significant structural weaknesses. Sieve analysis further confirms the optimal grain size distribution for self-compacting concrete mixes. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the potential applications and future research directions for waste aggregates using PET sludge, emphasizing their role in sustainable construction practices.