Improving the Properties of Stabilized Mud Composites Utilizing PET Plastic Binders and Bamboo Fiber Reinforcement

Abstract

This study investigates the development of stabilized mud composites (SMCs) using melted PET plastic as a binder and bamboo fibers as reinforcement. The research focuses on formulating and optimizing PET-Bamboo SMCs to improve mechanical strength, durability, and thermal properties. The methodology includes soil characterization, bamboo fiber extraction and treatment, and preparation of composite samples with varying proportions. The optimal mix ratio of mud and plastic was determined, with 60% PET plastic (SP60) yielding the highest compressive strength. Further investigation evaluated the impact of bamboo fiber addition, revealing that a 4% fiber content (SP60-4) significantly improves compressive strength and mitigates brittle failure. The SP60-4 composite demonstrates superior compressive strength and water absorption performance compared to conventional stabilized mud composites with alternative stabilizers. This research highlights the potential of PET-Bamboo SMCs as high-performance materials for construction, offering enhanced mechanical properties and water resistance. The findings provide valuable insights for developing scalable applications in the construction industry.

Introduction

Overview:

This research explores innovative ways to strengthen Stabilized Mud Composites (SMCs) for construction by incorporating melted PET plastic as a binder and bamboo fibers as reinforcement. The goal is to overcome traditional limitations of SMCs, such as low tensile strength, cracking, and water sensitivity, while improving durability, strength, and sustainability.

Need & Scope:

• Need: SMCs are eco-friendly and low-cost, but they lack strength and durability.

• Scope: This study aims to improve these properties using waste PET plastic and bamboo fibers. The mix proportions are optimized and tested for compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, as well as water absorption.

Objectives:

1. Determine the optimal mix of PET, bamboo fiber, and mud.

2. Analyze the effect of bamboo fiber on mechanical properties.

3. Compare PET-bamboo SMC with traditional SMC.

Materials Used:

• Soil (Sample 4 chosen for optimal composition: 15% gravel, 80% sand, 5% silt/clay)

• Bamboo fibers (extracted and chemically treated for durability)

• PET plastic waste (collected, crushed, and melted)

• Bitumen & thinner (for consistency)

• Wooden molds for casting standardized samples

Methodology Summary:

1. Soil testing and preparation

2. Stabilization with lime/cement and sand

3. Bamboo treatment and fiber extraction

4. Trial mixes with varied PET and fiber content

5. Fabrication of samples

6. Testing for:

   • Compressive strength

   • Tensile strength

   • Water absorption

   • Density and flexural strength

Key Findings:

Soil Sample Suitability:

• Sample 4 best suited for mud blocks (optimal sand and gravel content).

Compressive Strength:

• PET content up to 60% improved strength significantly.

• Adding bamboo fiber (1–3%) further improved strength; performance declined slightly beyond 3%.

Water Absorption:

• Lowest in SP60 (0.67%), increasing with higher bamboo fiber content due to its natural absorbency.

Density & Flexural Strength:

• Best performance observed with SP60-3 (60% PET + 3% bamboo fiber), balancing strength and water resistance.

Conclusion

1) The stabilized mix with 60% PET and 4% bamboo fibers (SP60-4) achieved a compressive strength of 25.3 N/mm², demonstrating more than a 700% improvement compared to soil stabilized with 15% cement. 2) The addition of 4% bamboo fibers increased tensile strength by 87.14%, highlighting the role of fibers in improving the mix\'s ductility and tensile performance. 3) The water absorption rate of the mix was 2.6%, meeting the IS standards, ensuring durability and resistance to moisture-related degradation. 4) The optimized mix is affordable and contributes to sustainability by repurposing PET waste and reducing dependence on traditional stabilizers like cement. 5) The results indicate that the SP60-4 mix offers superior strength, reduced brittleness, and moisture resistance, making it suitable for soil stabilization applications. 6) The use of PET binders and bamboo fibers shows significant promise as a sustainable construction material, with potential for broader application as advancements in plastic melting technologies progress.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Teakum Ao, Dr. Amit Goyal. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.