Title A Study on the Application of Char from Pyrolysis of Waste Plastics for the Development of Recyclable Construction Materials
Authors 남영진(Nam, Young-Jin) ; 이태규(Lee, Tae-Gyu) ; 이태구(Lee, Tae-Goo)
DOI https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2026.42.4.369
Page pp.369-376
ISSN 2733-6247
Keywords Recyclable; Construction Materials; Waste Plastic; Pyrolysis Plastic Char
Abstract This study evaluates Pyrolysis Plastic Char (PPC), a waste plastic pyrolysis byproduct, as a cement substitute to address plastic waste and carbon emissions. Mortar specimens with 0%, 5%, and 10% PPC replacement were analyzed up to 28 days. Results indicated a clear trade-off: mechanical performance generally decreased as PPC content increased. Specifically, 28-day compressive strength was reduced by 19.8% at 5% replacement and 36.1% at 10%. This degradation is attributed to weak Interfacial Transition Zones (ITZ) caused by PPC's hydrophobicity, dilution effects from non-reactive material, and mechanical incompatibility. Conversely, environmental and economic assessments confirmed substantial benefits. Under optimal conditions utilizing 100% pyrolysis oil fuel and 5% PPC substitution a reduction of approximately 139.5 kg of CO2 emissions per ton of cement can be achieved, generating significant economic profit. These findings suggest that PPC offers a viable balance between mechanical properties and environmental value. Therefore, applying an optimal replacement rate that minimizes performance degradation positions PPC as a promising sustainable construction material.