Development of ceramic floor tile with plastic waste and rice husks as filler materials

Abstract

Human activities often generate solid wastes such as plastics and rice husks wastes. Disposal of these wastes is usually a problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using plastic and rice husks wastes together with clay in the production of floor tiles. The waste was collected from kitezi, Tilda Uganda Ltd and waste disposal facilities. The materials were cleaned and dried; and plastics were shredded while rice husks were burnt into ash. Waste materials were then mixed with clay in different proportions. Compressive strength tests were carried out to determine the suitability of using such solid wastes in making floor tiles. Shredded plastics with an average diameter of to 1 to 2 cm were used. Tiles were cast and cured for 25 minutes. The compressive strength of the tile was tested using a universal testing machine. Addition of plastics decreased the compressive strength of the tile while addition of rice husks ash had insignificant effect on compressive strength. Increasing the quantity of plastics resulted in elevated water absorption, while larger quantities of clay resulted in reduced water absorption. Increasing the quantity of rice husks ash and plastics resulted in reduced density. With the presence of plastics, abrasion resistance increased and the tiles became less brittle. The study has established that use of plastic and rice husk ash wastes in the manufacture of floor tiles is a viable waste reduction option. However, further studies are necessary to establish the chemical interactions involved in floor tile production systems where household and industrial wastes such as plastics and rice husks are used.