Evaluación de la reacción frente al fuego de un mortero CSIII-W0 elaborado con polietileno de baja densidad triturado

Abstract

The growing pollution from plastic waste and the high environmental impact of the construction sector are driving the search for sustainable solutions. This project proposes to reuse low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as a substitute for fine aggregate in interior plaster mortars, promoting the circular economy and reducing the extraction of natural aggregates. Given the thermal risk of plastic, its reaction to fire was evaluated to ensure safety in buildings. The materials used were analyzed, meeting the technical requirements for the elaboration of mortars, and three LDPE replacement proportions were established: 5%, 10% and 15%. The granulometry of LDPE was comparable to that of coarse sand, which entailed an adjustment to form an adequate particle size curve of the fine aggregate. A CS III type control mortar was developed with a cement:sand dosage of 1:5 and a water/cement ratio of 1.13, achieving a compressive strength of 82 kg/cm², according to the standard. The results indicated that, as the percentage of LDPE increases, the compressive strength, the density in the fresh and hardened state, and the water absorption of the mortar decrease. Finally, the flammability test according to the NTE INEN ISO 11925-2 standard showed that the mortar with 15% LDPE increased the flame propagation speed by 15.70% and the temperature reached by 50.81% compared to the control mortar, in addition to generating higher emissions of polluting gases.