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<p>The extensive use of surgical masks, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly contributed to plastic waste accumulation, raising critical environmental and hygienic concerns. The indiscriminate disposal of these masks, often alongside conventional plastic waste, necessitates sustainable recycling strategies. This study investigates the feasibility of repurposing discarded surgical masks as a supplementary material in concrete by incorporating mask fragments of varying dimensions, with nose clips and ear loops removed. A comprehensive analysis of their physical, microstructural, and chemical characteristics was conducted to assess their suitability for construction applications. Mask pieces of three different sizes, 20&#xa0;mm × 20&#xa0;mm (A series), 10&#xa0;mm × 10&#xa0;mm (B series) and 20&#xa0;mm × 10&#xa0;mm (C series) were incorporated at varying dosages, and their influence on key concrete properties, including slump, density, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, was evaluated. While workability and density remained largely unaffected, the inclusion of 0.5% mask fibers in A-series mixes resulted in a notable enhancement, with compressive strength and split tensile strength exhibiting maximum increases of 16% and 10%, respectively, at 28&#xa0;days of curing. The effect of fiber size on flexural strength, however, was minimal. Microstructural investigations through SEM and EDX analyses further substantiated the integral incorporation of mask fibers within the concrete matrix, demonstrating their effective bonding capacity. Additionally, durability assessments, including resistance to aggressive environmental conditions such as acid, sulfate, and chloride exposure, were conducted through diffusion coefficient and RCPT tests, affirming the positive contribution of mask fibers to concrete’s long-term performance. The findings underscore the potential of utilizing waste surgical masks as an innovative and eco-friendly reinforcement material in concrete, offering a sustainable approach to mitigating plastic waste while enhancing structural integrity and durability.</p>

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Application of cut surgical mask pieces in concrete: microstructural, strength and durability analyses

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月2日

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  • Arya R. Nair,
  • D. B. Nirmala

摘要

The extensive use of surgical masks, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, has significantly contributed to plastic waste accumulation, raising critical environmental and hygienic concerns. The indiscriminate disposal of these masks, often alongside conventional plastic waste, necessitates sustainable recycling strategies. This study investigates the feasibility of repurposing discarded surgical masks as a supplementary material in concrete by incorporating mask fragments of varying dimensions, with nose clips and ear loops removed. A comprehensive analysis of their physical, microstructural, and chemical characteristics was conducted to assess their suitability for construction applications. Mask pieces of three different sizes, 20 mm × 20 mm (A series), 10 mm × 10 mm (B series) and 20 mm × 10 mm (C series) were incorporated at varying dosages, and their influence on key concrete properties, including slump, density, compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, was evaluated. While workability and density remained largely unaffected, the inclusion of 0.5% mask fibers in A-series mixes resulted in a notable enhancement, with compressive strength and split tensile strength exhibiting maximum increases of 16% and 10%, respectively, at 28 days of curing. The effect of fiber size on flexural strength, however, was minimal. Microstructural investigations through SEM and EDX analyses further substantiated the integral incorporation of mask fibers within the concrete matrix, demonstrating their effective bonding capacity. Additionally, durability assessments, including resistance to aggressive environmental conditions such as acid, sulfate, and chloride exposure, were conducted through diffusion coefficient and RCPT tests, affirming the positive contribution of mask fibers to concrete’s long-term performance. The findings underscore the potential of utilizing waste surgical masks as an innovative and eco-friendly reinforcement material in concrete, offering a sustainable approach to mitigating plastic waste while enhancing structural integrity and durability.