Material characterization of waste plastic pyrolysis char (WPPC) and its applicability evaluation in mortar

Char generated from waste plastic pyrolysis processes is currently in the early stages of research and is often discarded due to a lack of potential uses. This study examined the fundamental properties of Waste plastic pyrolysis char (WPPC) as a building material from the perspectives of resource circulation and carbon reduction. Furthermore, the applicability of WPPC as a building material was evaluated using it as a fine aggregate replacement in mortar. WPPC is a carbonaceous heterogeneous mixture characterized by irregular, unstructured porosity and a particle size distribution similar to natural fine aggregate. Its high water absorption, low density, and chemical heterogeneity affected the flowability, air content, and setting time of the mortar. The observed decrease in mechanical performance suggests that WPPC cannot replace fine aggregate for general purposes. However, its functional properties, such as expansion, water absorption, and sound absorption, suggest its potential as a building material for specialized applications.