Development of WPC Spacer Blocks using Waste Plastic

Development of WPC Spacer Blocks using Waste Plastic

Dr. Prashant T. Dhorabe1, Prathmesh Wanjari2, Smitesh Topare3, Himanshu Bhoyar4, Mansi Babare5, Rohit Kurewar6

1Assistant Professor,Department of Civil Engineering, Priyararshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, India

2,3,4,5,6 Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Priyararshini College of Engineering, Nagpur, India

Abstract: This study develops Wood-Plastic Composite Spacer Blocks (WPC-SB) using waste plastic and sawdust as sustainable alternatives to conventional concrete spacers. Samples were fabricated in varying ratios (e.g., 1:25 and 1:30 wood-to-plastic) and tested for water absorption (IS-3495:1992) and compressive strength (IS-14858:2000). The 1:30 sawdust-to-plastic ratio showed optimal performance, with low water absorption (4.11–5.26%) and strength up to (1.11–1.24 kN). Environmental tests confirmed eco-friendly, with minimal impact to the water quality (pH 8.67, turbidity 3.4 NTU, Dissolved Oxygen 23.4mg/lit). WPC-SB combines waste recycling, durability, and compliance with construction standards, offering a practical solution for sustainable infrastructure.

Keywords: Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC), Spacer blocks, Wood-Plastic Composite Spacer Blocks (WPC-SB), Mix Aggregate (MA), Waste Plastic (WP), Sawdust (S)