Characterization and Utilization of Polymer Composites from Recycled Polymer Blends and Silica Sand for Sustainable Floor Tile Applications

Abstract

This study is motivated by increasing environmental concerns and the depletion of natural resources, aiming to promote sustainability and the circular economy through the development of alternative construction materials. The research focuses on the fabrication and characterization of polymer composites intended for use as flooring tiles. These composites are based on a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix reinforced with “Al-Azizia” silica sand and recycled polymers at different mixing ratios (C1, C2, C3, and C4).

Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) analysis revealed effective physical interaction between the silica sand and the polymer matrix without significant alteration to the chemical structure. Characteristic absorption peaks corresponding to aliphatic (C–H) bonds and bending vibrations of (Si–O–Si) bonds were observed. Morphological examination further indicated that sample C3, containing silica, exhibited a more uniform distribution and stronger interfacial bonding compared to sample C2, which showed a heterogeneous structure due to the incorporation of recycled polymer.

In terms of mechanical properties, tensile testing demonstrated a significant transition in material behavior from the highly ductile nature of the reference sample to a brittle behavior in the composite samples. The elongation at break decreased markedly, ranging between 5% and 10%. These findings highlight the potential of the developed composites as sustainable alternatives for flooring applications, while also emphasizing the influence of composition on structural and mechanical performance