Plasma-Treated Plastic Aggregates for Concrete Bonding

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Solution Overview

Problem

The use of plastic waste as a replacement for natural aggregates in concrete faces challenges such as poor interaction between plastic aggregates and cement, leading to lower compressive strength and increased porosity due to smooth and hydrophobic surfaces of plastic particles, which limits their effective dispersion and bonding within the concrete matrix.

Innovation Solution

Treatment of plastic particles with low-pressure plasma and/or electron beams to modify their surfaces, forming hydrophilic groups that enhance their interaction with cement, improving the strength and dispersion of plastic aggregates within the concrete.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If plastic particles are used as aggregate replacement in concrete, then lighter weight concrete is produced, but compressive strength decreases due to poor bond between plastic aggregate and cement matrix

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of concreteVSAvoidcompressive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The surface properties of plastic particles are modified by changing their chemical composition through plasma treatment, introducing polar functional groups that enhance adhesion to cement matrix while maintaining the lightweight property of plastic aggregate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Polar functional groups act as intermediaries between the hydrophobic plastic aggregate and the hydrophilic cement matrix, facilitating better bonding and reducing interfacial defects that compromise compressive strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If plastic particles with smooth surface are used, then concrete workability is improved, but bond strength with cement matrix deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcrete workabilityVSAvoidbond strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The surface chemistry of plastic particles is altered by introducing polar functional groups through plasma treatment, enhancing chemical adhesion to cement matrix while preserving the smooth surface morphology that provides good workability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If plastic particles with greater surface roughness are used, then bond strength with cement matrix is improved, but concrete workability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebond strengthVSAvoidconcrete workability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The surface chemistry is modified by introducing polar functional groups through plasma treatment, enabling smooth particles to achieve enhanced bond strength through chemical adhesion mechanisms rather than relying on physical roughness, thus maintaining good workability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Object-generated harmful factors

If plastic aggregate is used to replace natural aggregate, then environmental pollution is reduced through recycling, but compressive strength decreases due to hydrophobic surface properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental pollutionVSAvoidcompressive strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrophobic surface properties of recycled plastic particles are transformed into hydrophilic surfaces through plasma treatment, introducing polar functional groups that enhance adhesion to cement matrix and restore compressive strength while maintaining the environmental benefits of plastic recycling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The hydrophobic nature of plastic, which initially causes poor adhesion, is converted into a benefit through plasma treatment that introduces polar groups, transforming the surface from cement-repelling to cement-attracting while maintaining the recyclability advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The surface modification of plastic particles using low-pressure plasma and electron beams increases the compressive strength of concrete and improves its curing rate, reducing the water content required for mixing, thereby enhancing the structural integrity and environmental sustainability of plastic aggregate-based concrete.

Implementation Method 1

treating a first plurality of plastic particles with low pressure plasma and/or an electron beam to provide treated particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

treating a first plurality of plastic particles with low pressure plasma and/or an electron beam to provide treated particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron beam: Electron Beam

Data Source

PatentUS20240010559A1composition

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 LOW CARBON MATERIALS LTD

AI summary

There is a method of making an aggregate having plastics particles having sizes of about 0.1 cm to about 1 cm. The method has the step of treating a first plurality of plastics particles with low-pressure plasma and/or an electron beam to provide treated particles. The plasma has ions formed from any one selected from the group consisting of a carboxylic acid, alcohol, amine, ester, aldehyde, amide, ketone, epoxide, ammonia and peroxide and a combination of two or more thereof. The disclosure further relates to aggregates and their uses.