Use of Recycled Glass in Thermoformed PET Plastic for Low-Cost Translucent Panels

This study focuses on the limited use of recycled materials in the Peruvian construction industry, specifically focusing on glass and PET plastic as reused resources. The objective is to address waste management in construction, a critical issue in a global context where a 70% increase in solid waste production is expected by 2050, according to the report issued by the World Bank. The problem intensifies in Peru, where approximately 852,000 tons of glass waste are not utilized annually, with only 5% being recycled and reused. The research method focuses on an innovative alternative by combining recycled glass and PET (POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) plastic for the manufacture of translucent concrete panels. The thermoforming technique is used to wrap crushed glass with PET plastic, obtaining a translucent aggregate. Compressive strength tests revealed an average strength of 90%, indicating the feasibility of these panels for use as masonry or non-structural cladding materials. Additionally, an exploration was conducted with eight different proportions of water, cement, fine/ coarse sand, and crushed glass, to achieve higher strength. This study is experimental, and an observation sheet was used to collect data, using a mechanical mixer that allowed for proper integration of all aggregates. The results obtained provide opportunities for various practical applications. The use of panels not only provides a sustainable solution for waste management but also offers translucency, adding new aesthetic and functional elements in architectural design. The conclusion is that the implementation of this technique contributes to the decrease in demand for natural resources and the reduction of the carbon footprint associated with the production of conventional building materials.