Analyzing the Strength, Durability and Microstructural Characteristics of Econcrete Incorporating Waste Printed Circuit Boards (WPCBs) as Coarse Aggregate

¹ Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, (Civil Engineering Department), Krishnankoil, (Tamil Nadu), India.
² DC School of Architecture and Design, (Architecture Department), Idukki, (Kerala), India.

^* Corresponding Author: s.k.m.pothinathan@klu.ac.in

Abstract

Addressing the critical issue of resource depletion, this research investigates the potential of waste printed circuit boards from electronic waste as a sustainable alternative for coarse aggregate in concrete production. Through a controlled experiment, varying proportions of WPCBs (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) were substituted for traditional aggregates. The study comprehensively evaluates the key performance indicators of the resulting e-concrete microstructure, mechanical strength, and self-compacting behaviour, across different curing periods (7, 14, and 28 days). Additionally, sulfate and chloride resistance were assessed at 56 days to study the e-concrete durability. To optimize the rheological and mechanical properties, the research introduces two supplementary materials B233 (1.5% of cement weight) and silica fume (11% of binder weight). The concrete mix adheres to the M30 grade specifications outlined by Indian standards, with a water-cement ratio of 0.375. The findings demonstrate that incorporating silica fume significantly enhances the mechanical strength of e-concrete while compromising its flow characteristics. Notably, replacing 5% of traditional coarse aggregate with recycled WPCBs yields comparable strength and performance to conventional concrete, highlighting the potential of WPCBs as a viable alternative. This study paves the way for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to concrete production, effectively utilizing e-waste while minimizing reliance on depleting natural resources.