Strength properties of polyester mortar using PET and fly ash wastes

The effect of sand and fly ash on the strength properties of polyester mortar (PM) using unsaturated polyester resins based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) plastic waste have been evaluated in this study. Useful equations were also developed to predict the strength and modulus of PM using various amounts of sand and fly ash fillers individually as well as a combination of both. This evaluation is important not only from the standpoint that waste materials are being used, but also because no information is available in this area with PM using virgin materials. The test results show that the use of fly ash and PET wastes is very beneficial for the production of good-quality and relatively low-cost PM. In addition, the utilization of these wastes in PM would help save energy and alleviate an environmental problem. The PM could be utilized in a variety of construction applications such as the overlay of pavements, dams, and industrial floors, or as an adhesive to bond materials of similar or dissimilar compositions.