Abstract
The continuous generation and accumulation of solid waste is a critical problem at the world level and require urgent action. Therefore, the present paper contains an alternative of using two solid plastic wastes, determining the use of polymeric synthesis made from recycled polypropylene (PP) and expanded polystyrene (EPS). First, the research developed a new material using these two recycled raw materials and evaluated its physical-mechanical properties. The next step was the comparison of the properties with different potentially replaceable materials. Finally, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) was the material identified as possible to be replaced by the mixture (EPS+PP) because of the similar values of its properties, with specific use for coating electrical installations and internal communications. The study uses the Life Cycle Assessment methodology (LCA) to evaluate the material's environmental performance. This paper reports the inventory data of the new material process validated in a plastic plant in Bogotá (Colombia). Consequently, by using the mass and energy balances, the authors evaluate the environmental indicators for the process proposed and then compare the results with the ones of PVC in the Ecoinvent databases. The study used a "cradle to door" approach and SIMAPRO software in this step. The LCA results show that the new material generates less environmental impact than conventional (PVC). Furthermore, the present research results allow new possibilities for incorporating circular economy models in the construction sector. As a result, the new material produces a lower environmental impact than PVC.
