Possibility of using polymer waste in creating local sculptures

Abstract

This research studies the use of recycled polyethylene and polypropylene waste in modern infrastructure projects. It explores the technical and aesthetic potential of these materials after recycling and incorporating them into the infrastructure. The research addresses the plastic waste under study, from its collection and sorting to its grinding into a powder of a specific particle size. This powder is then mixed with various binding materials such as synthetic resin, cement, and cement dust to create a cohesive composite mixture.

The researcher adopted the experimental method as the basis for studying the samples and analyzing their results. This method comprised ten main axes, encompassing the stages of field and laboratory work. These stages included selecting and preparing the research samples, preparing the experimental mixture schedule, and finally, applying the necessary physical and chemical tests to determine the most suitable mixture for producing the infrastructure work. The importance of this research lies in its embodiment of the applied dimension, aiming to transform the problem of plastic waste As one of the contemporary industrial and environmental problems - to a productive technical resource that contributes to the development of local raw materials and their use as a creative and economic resource within the field of fine arts. This section is dedicated to presenting the results, conclusions, and recommendations reached by the researcher based on experimental procedures and laboratory analysis of the research sample. The applied results demonstrated the feasibility of using recycled polyethylene and polypropylene waste in creating contemporary infrastructure works, contributing to supporting sustainable art trends and reducing the environmental impacts resulting from the accumulation of plastic waste. Laboratory results also revealed that sample (D) was the best among the other samples, exhibiting a high capacity to withstand hardness and flexibility tests, as well as resistance to erosion and mechanical corrosion. This makes it the most suitable mixture for use in constructing infrastructure works with durability and aesthetic stability. In conclusion, the research demonstrated that practical experience has made it possible to employ recycled plastic waste as an effective sculptural material, opening new horizons for the diversity of contemporary art. The study also contributed to enhancing artistic and religious awareness among artists and the community regarding the importance of investing in recycled materials to produce artworks that carry an aesthetic.