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Environmental sustainability

Sustainable Foam Mortar Made from Recycled PET Waste Enhances Thermal Insulation and Promotes Circular Economy Practices

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Investigations into developing sustainable building materials have led to significant advancements in recent years. In a breakthrough study from University Sains Malaysia, researchers have successfully created a sustainable foam mortar made from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, showcasing its potential to enhance thermal insulation and promote circular economy practices. This innovative material has the potential to revolutionize the construction industry, reducing waste and environmental pollution while providing improved thermal insulation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that PET waste, typically discarded as environmental pollutants, can be processed into fine aggregate sizes and used as a partial replacement for sand in mortar production.
  • The use of PET in mortar formulation resulted in improved thermal insulation, with thermal conductivity reduced from 0.31 W/mK to 0.26 W/mK, and density reduced by up to 15%.
  • At higher PET levels, durability increased, with a 20% decrease in water absorption and a substantial decrease in chloride ion penetration.
  • Microstructural analysis confirmed more refined pore structures and homogeneous dispersion of PET particles, indicating improved bonding between PET and the cement matrix.
  • The research concluded that PET can be a sustainable alternative to conventional mortar materials, promoting environmentally friendly construction methods and the concepts of the circular economy.
  • The study found that the compressive strength of the mortar varied between 12.5 MPa (0% PET) and 9.8 MPa (25% PET), suggesting that it is viable for non-structural applications.
  • The research was conducted by a team of researchers from University Sains Malaysia, led by Md Azree Othuman Mydin, and included Paul O. Awoyera, Ziad N. Taqieddin, Yasin Onuralp Ozkilic, Olaolu George Fadugba, Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri Abdullah, Roshartini Omar, Shuvo Dip Datta, and Oladimeji B. Olalusi.

Statistics:

  • The thermal conductivity of the mortar was reduced from 0.31 W/mK to 0.26 W/mK after incorporating PET waste.
  • The density of the mortar was reduced by up to 15% after incorporating PET waste.
  • At higher PET levels, durability increased by 20% with a decrease in water absorption.
  • The compressive strength of the mortar varied between 12.5 MPa (0% PET) and 9.8 MPa (25% PET).
  • The study explored six different mix proportions with PET replacement ratios (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%).

Sources:

  • Green construction with sustainable foam mortar utilizing recycled polyethylene terephthalate waste for enhanced thermal insulation and durability properties. Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):33633.
  • Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • University Sains Malaysia, School of Housing, Building and Planning, University Sains Malaysia, 11800, Penang, Malaysia.
  • NewsRx. Reports on Sustainability Research Findings from University Sains Malaysia Provide New Insights (Green construction with sustainable foam mortar utilizing recycled polyethylene terephthalate waste for enhanced thermal insulation and durability ...). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. October 17, 2025; p 745.

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