Physico-mechanical properties of plastic waste-containing gypsum composites exposed to elevated temperature

This study presents the characterization of residual physico-mechanical performance of gypsums incorporating two types of plastic waste (i.e. polypropylene and nylon), after exposure to high temperature (23 °C–300 °C). The bulk density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, young’s modulus and mechanical strength were analysed. Furthermore, the fire reaction performance was evaluated according to standards. Also, an experimental toxicity assessment of gases released during combustion was conducted. As a results, the residual properties of the composites present a higher dependence on the reactions that take place in the gypsum matrix than on plastic waste content. Moreover, plastic-containing composites could be classified as A2 non-combustible material.