A novel polymer concrete made with recycled glass aggregates, fly ash and metakaolin

A novel polymer concrete (PC) was synthesized by mixing epoxy resins and waste glass as aggregates. In this study, metakaolin (MK) and fly ash (FA) were used as filler and compositions with 0%, 10% and 15% by weight of recycled glass sand (<2.36 mm) were prepared to investigate the mechanical and durability properties of the PC. The results indicated that all compositions assessed in this study display high strength and modulus of elasticity values. MK and FA have a significant effect on the compressive strength, the flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity of the PC. Moreover, the PC made with recycled glass aggregate, MK and FA has good chemical resistance for 20% Na2CO3, 10% NaOH, tap water, and sea water. Besides the acceptable chemical resistance, the prepared waste glass PC shows low apparent porosity and low water absorption.

► The study reveals a polymer concrete made with recycled glass, fly ash and metakaolin.
► The mechanical and the durability properties of the PC were investigated.
► Results indicate that all compositions assessed display high strength and E-values.
► MK and FA have a significant effect on the strengths and E-values of the PC.
► We conclude that a fast cured PC can be synthesized with recycled waste glass.