Evaluation of the effect of E-waste on the permeability properties of polymer concrete composites and their behavior in aggressive environments

The rapid increase in the number of electronic products worldwide, in terms of both variety and advanced technology, together with the decrease in costs, has led to the generation of a large amount of electronic waste (e-waste), which has significantly increased environmental pollution. This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that the adhesion of polymer binders and plastic origin e-waste will be more effective and stronger, and therefore have a positive effect on the permeability properties of polymer concrete and its behavior against aggressive solutions. For this purpose, quartz aggregates and gravel used as an aggregate in polymer concrete were replaced with 0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 15% e-waste. In the study where unsaturated polyester resin was used as a binder, the changes in the permeability properties (capillary water absorption, rapid chloride permeability) of the e-waste polymer concrete and its behavior against aggressive solutions (acid and sulfate attacks) were evaluated after 7, 28 and 90 days. In addition, mechanical experiments were conducted and comparisons were made. After the control concrete, the highest compressive strengths were obtained from the polymer concrete specimens using 3% e-waste, measured as 59.05 MPa, 64.5 MPa and 73.05 MPa after 7, 28 and 90 days, respectively. The research showed that polymer concretes with capillary water absorption coefficient values close to zero after 90 days can be produced with using up to 9% e-waste. The use of e-waste as an aggregate in polymer concrete at 3%, 6% and 9% e-waste, in particular, produced concrete with a high resistance to acid and sulfate attacks. The hypothesis of the study was confirmed after extensive experiments. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.) © The Author(s) 2024.