Evaluation of Mechanical Microstructural and Durability Characteristics of Waste Printed Circuit Board Concrete

Abstract

Fine aggregates play a crucial role within the domain of concrete components. newlineRiver sand has historically been the preferred fine aggregate material. Concerns have newlinebeen raised, however, regarding the detrimental environmental effects of river sand newlineextraction. An urgent requirement emerges to ascertain appropriate substitute newlinematerials to mitigate dependence on natural resources. This involves the repurposing newlineof materials that are frequently considered waste, resulting in the simultaneous newlineadvantages of discovering a sustainable alternative to river sand and efficiently newlinehandling waste materials. The obsolescence rate of electronic equipment is high due newlineto technological advancements. India annually produces 800,000 tonnes of electronic newlinewaste, with the potential for an increase in the future. Approximately 80-85% of all newlineelectronic waste is disposed of in landfills. Printed circuit boards (PCBs) comprise newlineapproximately 7-8% of the total waste generated by electrical and electronic newlineequipment. This study primarily aims to assess the performance of PCB Powder when newlineused as a fine aggregate in concrete production. The M30 and M65 blends were newlinecreated by experimenting with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% PCB powder as fine newlineaggregate replacements. In addition, concrete is fortified by incorporating admixtures newlinelike Silica Fume (SF). The study determined mixed proportions and evaluated the newlinemechanical properties, such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and newlineflexural strength. For the optimized mixes from both M30 and M65 grades, the newlinemicrostructural and durability properties were investigated newline