RMIT University engineers have found a way to use disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) to make concrete stronger, thus reducing landfill waste. There is an estimated 54,000 tons of PPE waste produced on average globally each day and just using the face masks alone increased compressive strength by up to 17%.
The team has conducted three separate feasibility studies that include disposable face masks, rubber gloves and isolation gowns, all of which were first shredded then incorporated into concrete at various volumes, between 0.1% and 0.25%. Just the rubber gloves increased compressive strength by up to 22%, while the isolation gowns improved resistance to bending stress 21%. Then there’s Striatus, the first 3D-printed concrete arch bridge.
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We urgently need smart solutions for the ever-growing pile of COVID-19 generated waste – this challenge will remain even after the pandemic is over. Our research found that incorporating the right amount of shredded PPE could improve the strength and durability of concrete,” said Kilmartin-Lynch, a Vice-Chancellor’s Indigenous Pre-Doctoral Fellow at RMIT.
