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The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a massive amount of plastic waste, particularly from discarded personal protective equipment (PPE). In response, researchers in the United Kingdom have developed a novel solution for recycling PPE waste. The solution involves using the PPE waste to create new building materials, particularly bricks, without the need for cement.
Five students from Tamil Nadu Engineering College in India have found a new purpose for the Covid-era trash. They have come up with a method to convert hospital personal protective equipment (PPE) waste into bricks that are stronger and don't require any cement.
PPE waste, including gloves, gowns, masks, and face shields, typically ends up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. The innovative technique not only helps in managing PPE waste but also provides a sustainable solution for building construction.
The team of engineering students used a mix of non-recyclable PPE waste, such as face masks and gowns, along with other materials such as cement kiln dust, fly ash, and alum sludge, to create a type of brick that's stronger than conventional bricks. This method not only reduces the waste in landfills but also has a lower carbon footprint than traditional brick manufacturing, which requires the burning of coal.
The students have also filed a patent for their invention, which they believe has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. The bricks are not only eco-friendly but are also cost-effective and can be used in building construction, making them a sustainable alternative to conventional bricks. The team of students aims to commercialize their invention and work towards a greener future.
The innovative method of using PPE waste to create bricks has numerous advantages. The bricks are ready faster and cheaper than traditional red or concrete hollow bricks, as the curing time to reach ISO standards is less than 24 hours. This means that the bricks can be produced at a faster rate and with lower costs. Additionally, the new bricks meet water consumption specifications, making them environmentally friendly.
The process of making these bricks involves collecting PPE waste from hospitals and sterilizing them using ultraviolet light. The sterilized PPE waste is then shredded and mixed with a chemical binder to create a pulp, which is then poured into moulds and pressed. The bricks are then cured using steam for a period of 16 to 20 hours.
The researchers from the University of Hull's School of Engineering and Computer Science have also developed a process that converts PPE waste, such as face masks and gloves, into a new type of building material. The material is formed using a combination of PPE waste and other plastic waste, which is compressed and heated to create a solid, durable brick.
These bricks are made using a plastic extrusion technique, which is a cost-effective and efficient way of recycling plastic waste. The bricks are stronger than traditional clay bricks and do not require the use of cement, which is a significant contributor to carbon emissions. The use of these bricks in construction could help reduce the environmental impact of the building industry.
The bricks are currently being tested for their durability and strength to ensure that they meet building regulations. If successful, they could be used in construction projects in the near future. The researchers are also exploring the potential for other applications of their process, such as creating tiles and other building components.
Overall, this innovative solution to the problem of PPE waste shows that there are opportunities to turn waste into a resource. The recycling of PPE waste into bricks could provide a sustainable solution for the building industry while reducing the environmental impact of the pandemic.
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