Concrete using polypropylene fibers from COVID-19 single-use face masks

Jiasheng Zhu, Mohammad Saberian, Jie Li, Rajeev Roychand, Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (Book)Researchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant pollution due to the rapid increase in the consumption and disposal of face masks. These nonbiodegradable mask wastes pose a considerable threat to the environment, ecology, and public health. Converting mask wastes into valuable construction materials for application in concrete is a solution to address the crisis of plastic pollution related to the pandemic. This chapter reviews in detail the currently available research published on the effect of mask wastes on the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete. It was found that the dimension, dosage, and form of the mask wastes have significant effects on the properties of concrete. Based on the knowledge summarized in this chapter, it is reasonable to suggest that mask wastes, in the form of fibers and strips, could be utilized as a potentially sustainable and valuable building material in concrete.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationReuse of Plastic Waste in Eco-efficient Concrete
EditorsFernando Pacheco-Torgal, Jamal Khatib, Francesco Colangelo, Rabin Tuladhar
Place of PublicationCambridge MA USA
PublisherElsevier
Chapter12
Pages259-293
Number of pages35
Edition1st
ISBN (Electronic)9780443137983
ISBN (Print)9780443138119
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Concrete
  • COVID-19
  • face masks
  • mechanical and durability properties

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